Orlando Pirates' Mandla Ncikazi hails debutant keeper Siyabonga Dladla after SuperSport triumph

Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi heaped praise on goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla in his debut for the club as the Soweto Giants ran out 1-0 winners over SuperSport United, in their Betway Premiership clash, on Tuesday evening.

Dladla was kept fairly busy on the night at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, but stood resolute for the visitors.

SuperSport reeled off nine shots at goal, with three of those Dladla was called in to make the saves.

The performance at the back allowed Pirates to go in search of the winner, which they did in the 72nd minute as Mohau Nkota found the back of the net.

Orlando Pirates' Young Stars Shine as They Close the Gap on Mamelodi Sundowns

Ncikazi said after the match: “These human beings are amazing, no complaints. They dig in every day; they are there every day, no complaints, and one can only be proud that this group of players are willing to put their names in the history of the club.

“I’m just happy for the young boys that are getting the opportunity.

“They are using it [the opportunity] correctly, another one today – the goalkeeper. I thought Siya, you couldn’t tell that it was a young boy in the sticks. [I’m] proud for the history of this club.”

Though Pirates had already secured their runner-up finish in the league behind Mamelodi Sundowns, they edged closer to the 73-point tally of the Brazilians. Pirates now have 59 points, with two matches remaining. Stellenbosch FC are third with 47 points.

The result actually helped fellow Soweto Giants, Kaizer Chiefs. Chiefs are ninth with one game left, on 31 points. As Chiefs push for a top eight finish, they can still be overtaken by a number of sides including SuperSport who have 26 points with two games remaining.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport