The win in Durban moved the Buccaneers back to the top of the table and kept them on course for a first league title in 14 years.
It was not pretty, but it did not need to be against one of the form teams in the topflight. Here are some of the talking points from the game.
Rare headed goal
Pirates scored the winner with one of the rarer sights in their play this season – a headed goal from Mofokeng. It followed a fine delivery into the box from former AmaZulu winger Tshepang Moremi, with Mofokeng finishing with confidence. It was a second goal in as many games for the 21-year-old, who has been showing signs in recent weeks that he is getting back to his best. That is encouraging news for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
Own goal
Mofokeng was also the architect of Pirates’ late second goal as his shot from outside the box struck the upright and rebounded back onto Usuthu goalkeeper Darren Johnson, who could do nothing as the ball deflected into the net. It will not be credited to Mofokeng, but it was all of his making.
Still no Mbule
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou once again left Sipho Mbule out of his matchday squad, creating a growing concern for Broos. The national team coach has consistently stated that he will only select players who are playing regularly and in form for their clubs, but he now faces a shortage in the attacking midfield role behind the striker. Themba Zwane appears to be out of the picture, while Patrick Maswanganyi and Mbule, who filled that role at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, have not been getting minutes at Pirates. That raises the question of where Broos turns next. Mofokeng, perhaps? Oswin Appollis?
Back to a three-horse race?
AmaZulu would have gone top of the table with victory on Tuesday night and were firmly in the title race. They may still be contenders, but Pirates now lead them by five points with two games in hand, a gap that could already be too large for Usuthu to close. Pirates lead the standings by three points over Mamelodi Sundowns, with both sides having reached the halfway mark of the season on 15 games played. Kaizer Chiefs sit third, five points adrift, also having played 15 matches, and can ill afford any slip-ups.
AmaZulu’s wait goes on
AmaZulu have still not beaten the Buccaneers since 2013 and have not recorded a home win against them since 2009. Pirates are now unbeaten in 24 matches against Usuthu (W14 D10). Historically, Pirates have also dominated the fixture. In 77 meetings since the formation of the National Soccer League in 1985, Pirates have recorded 38 wins, compared to just 11 for AmaZulu, with 28 draws.
What’s next?
Pirates remain in Durban for their Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash against TTM on Saturday, which will also be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Their next league fixture is at home against Marumo Gallants on February 14. AmaZulu, meanwhile, travel to Polokwane City for their Nedbank Cup tie next Tuesday, before returning to league action with another major test when they host Sundowns on February 24.
