Kabelo Dlamini produced a moment of brilliance to help Orlando Pirates collect maximum points against a stubborn Richards Bay in their PSL game on Sunday.
Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno produced a string of top saves to keep the scores 0-0 until the 81st minute when substitute Dlamini stepped up to take a freekick.
Just outside the box, the midfielder, who had been on the pitch for less than five minutes, executed great technique on his left foot to send home a curing shot that Otieno could only watch as he was rooted to his spot.
It was a game that was going to be decided by a special moment after Otieno kept Richards Bay in the game with top saves in both halves.
How did Ian Otieno frustrate Pirates?
The former Zesco United goalkeeper was first called into action in the 19th minute when he saved a great shot from Tshegofatso Mabasa although the Pirates striker was flagged offside.
Another top save came just after the hour mark when Relebohile Mofokeng weaved his way past his markers before a curling effort that saw the Richards Bay goalkeeper dive well to keep it out.
The Natal Rich Boyz’s first real attempt arrived soon after when Justice Johnpaul Figuareido had Sipho Chaine at full stretch in Pirates goal after his shot went inches wide.
Thabang Sibanyoni had another attempt for Richards Bay 16 minutes from time before Otieno kept his team in the game when they should have been a goal down.
The keeper could do nothing to stop Dlamini
The goalkeeper spilled Mofokeng’s rasping shot and Deon Hotto hammered in the rebound but the custodian repelled the shot with his foot.
However, he could not stop Dlamini’s freekick, as all his efforts went to waste when the Buccaneers held on to claim all three points for a third straight PSL win.
Pirates join Mamelodi Sundowns as the only sides with an 100 percent record in the league.
