Six goals have been nominated for the OPPOxPirates Goal of the Month award, which returns for the first time in the current season.
With the competition’s return, a lucky Bucs fan, along with the player whose goal is voted the best, stands to win a brand-new OPPO A57 smartphone simply by voting for their favorite goal scored in August.
The Soweto Giants got off to a strong start during the first month of the season, finishing the month atop the league standings and advancing in cup play.
With the assistance of votes cast by “The Ghosts,” one of the six goals scored by the Buccaneers in August will be awarded the inaugural OPPOxPirates Goal of the Month for the 2018-19 season.
The candidates are:
A: Nkosinathi Sibisi against Stellenbosch
When he opened the scoring in the 1-1 league tie against Stellenbosch, the Bucs defender scored his first goal for the club in only his second competitive game. Moments before halftime, when Pirates were awarded a corner kick, Sibisi sprinted in from deep to beat the defense to the ball and send a bullet header straight into the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper motionless.
B: Vincent Pule against Royal AM
Vincent Pule, a midfielder, scored his first goal of the season in the recent 2-1 MTN 8 quarterfinal victory over Royal AM. The 30-year-old profited from a stroke of luck as the ball was thrown into his path as the Durban side attempted to build from the back. He was collected enough to select his location on the far corner, striking the ball sweetly with his trusted left foot to beat Xolani Ngcobo, who was stretched out.
C: Welcome Eva Nga against Swallows
Bienvenu Eva Nga scored the first goal of the season for the Pirates, introducing himself to the Bucs supporters when he scored in his debut. The attacker made a deft run outside of Kabelo Dlamini, who set him up inside the penalty area, and sent the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
D: Thabiso Monyane against Royal AM
Rising star Thabiso Monyane scored his first professional goal as the Buccaneers defeated Royal AM in the MTN 8 in Durban, extending his team’s lead in the second half. The 22-year-old made a great move down the right side, where Goodman Mosele slipped him in, before his low shot from the edge of the penalty area proved too difficult for the goalkeeper, whose deflection sent the ball over the goal line.
E: Paseka Mako against Marumo Gallants
Wing-back Paseka Mako was the hero of another crucial league victory for the Soweto Giants, scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 home victory over the Marumo Gallants. In the third minute of the match, striker Zakhele Lepasa maneuvered his way beyond the defense down the right flank, delivering a cross that struck the far post before Mako finished the job with a well-executed first-time effort from within the penalty area.
Deon Hotto vs. Royal AM, loss
In the league match between the Buccaneers and Royal AM, Deon Hotto’s goal after the half-hour mark was decisive, as it gave the Buccaneers the eventual victory. The Namibian international teamed up with Thabiso Monyane, receiving a superbly weighted cross from the right and striking the ball with authority from just inside the penalty area.
How To Cast Your Vote
On the club’s social media sites, Pirates can vote for their OPPOXPirates Goal of the Month. Vote by visiting @orlandopirates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The contest closes at 5 p.m. on September 1, 2022.