Orbit’s Premiership debut ends in narrow defeat

Teboho Mashigo and Siyanda Hlangabeza © Backpagepix

Orbit College put up a brave display on their Betway Premiership debut, but ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of AmaZulu FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Mswenko Boys lost their first-ever top-flight league match on the back of an unfortunate own goal from Sekhoane Moerane, but they can take great heart from the way in which they put Usuthu under pressure in the dying minutes of the game, almost forcing a share of the spoils.

Orbit settled the quicker of the two teams and strung together some impressive passing movements, though they neither built real attacking pressure, nor firmly established a sense of control and dominance, allowing AmaZulu to gradually take over as the more dangerous side.

And the team in green and white duly claimed the lead in the 23rd minute, as Tebogo Mashigo’s low cross from the right side of the penalty area caused confusion in the Orbit defence: Ndumiso Ngiba lunged to try and intercept, but failed to do so, and the ball then bounced off the hand of goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane and rolled into the net for 1-0.

Usuthu had further chances to add to their lead, including a free header for defender Keegan Allan and a shooting chance for Mashigo – both of which ended with comfortable saves from Moerane – and the half closed with the hosts still one goal to the good.

Orbit made a tactical change at the start of the second half, with Thato Mohlamme making way for Given Thibedi, but AmaZulu continued to look more threatening, with both Mashigo and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya missing out on promising chances in the opening 10 minutes after the restart.

The hosts enjoyed further dominance through the remainder of the game, but failed to add to their advantage – leading to a nervy final 10 minutes, in which Orbit came on strong in their search for an equaliser and gave AmaZulu’s defence some awkward moments.

However, the Durban side remained firm in their resolve – including a couple of notable saves from goalkeeper Darren Johnson in stoppage time – and secured a deserved opening-day victory.

The teams will return to Betway Premiership action in the coming midweek, with AmaZulu visiting champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Orbit hosting Siwelele FC.

AmaZulu FC (1) 1 (Moerane OG 23’)

Orbit College 0

AmaZulu: Johnson, Allan, Mthethwa, Fielies, Hanamub, Radebe, Zungu (Motshwari 69’), Hlangabeza (Thabede 90+2’), Ekstein (Sithole 69’), Ngwenya, Mashigo (Mbanjwa 80’)

Orbit: Moerane, Setlhodi (Moleleki 85’), Nhlapo, Ngiba, Jingana, Potsane (Matsemela 64’), Batsi, Mabele, Saleng, Mohlamme (Thibedi 46’) Koapeng (Modimoeng 85’)

© Backpage TXT