Five talking points from Pirates victory over Leopards

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Orlando Pirates survived Thamsanqa Gabuza’s moment of madness to beat Black Leopards, but the striker could well have lost the faith of both Milutin Sredojevic and the Buccaneers faithful supporters, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

1) Gabuza’s moment of madness could cost him

The Pirates striker has come under fire from his supporters and the media for his wastefulness in front of goal. Gabuza missed a couple of early chances which prompted whistles and jeers from the fans inside the stadium. On the 37th minute, the 31-year-old whipped in a cross which was turned into the net by Leopard’s defender Tshivhavhudzi Ndou. The striker ran to the sidelines, threw his shirt into the crowd and stormed down the tunnel.

Gabuza received two yellow cards in succession for removing his shirt in celebration and departing the pitch without permission from the referee, leaving his side a man down for the remainder of the match.

The Pirates fans in the stadium and online were clearly unhappy with what they perceive as a lack of respect. Despite Micho looking to protect his player in the post-match interviews, the coach’s reaction was on camera for all to see and he could not hide his anger.

READ: Gabuza sees red in Pirates victory

2) Pule can be special at Pirates

Vincent Pule made the move to Orlando Pirates at the beginning of the season and his match-winner against Lidoda Duvha could just be the start of a long and successful career at the Soweto giants. The former Bidvest Wits man has been influential so far this season and will look to continue to improve at the Soweto giants.

3) Leopards will score goals

After scoring two goals in either of their opening draws against Chippa United and Highlands Park, the side from Limpopo again found the back of the net against Pirates. Lidoda Duvha look to be a threat going forward, however, their leaky defence could prove costly.

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4) Absa Premiership, the home of the humdinger

On the opening weekend, Cape Town City’s Roland Putsche scored a stunning volley, while Golden Arrows forward Knox Mutizwa produced a spectacular overhead. A week later Deon Hotto scored a long-range screamer for Bidvest Wits against Kaizer Chiefs and Luckyboy Mokoena of Highlands Park made the headlines with a stunner of his own.

Another top-class goal was added into the catalogue of humdingers on Tuesday as Joseph Mhlongo brought Leopards back into the game with a sensational volley from the edge of the box which flew into the top corner.

5) When Pirates start scoring they won’t stop

Before Gabuza’s red card, the Sea Robbers created a number of chances, but were yet again let down by some wasteful finishing. Micho and his coaching staff will undoubtedly be happy at their ability to create chances but they will be concerned by their low conversion rate as the effects of the finishing coach are still yet to surface.

If or when they manage to add a clinical edge to their game and dispatch their openings, Pirates will be a hard team to keep out.

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Photo: Kabelo Leputu/BackpagePix

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Dean Workman