New-look Pirates stun Chiefs in Diski opener

Orlando Pirates have found a new gem!

Following the departure of last season’s league top goal scorer Boitumelo Radiopane, Orlando Pirates seem to have unearthed another goal machine in Relebohile Ratomo.

Ratomo introduced himself with a brace when Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 in a DStv Diski Challenge match at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Ratomo was making his debut in the Diski, but he played like a seasoned campaigner, causing all sorts of problems for Amakhosi's defenders on the day.

He announced his arrival at the packed stadium in the 12th minute, putting Pirates in the lead. But their celebrations were cut short as his goal was cancelled by Mduduzi Shabalala’s corner kick which went straight into the net.

Ratomo restored Pirates' lead in the 44th minute, making it 2-1.

At the stroke of halftime Chiefs' defence was caught napping again and Pirates extended the lead to 3-1 through Samukele Kabini.

In the second half, the tempo of the game dropped.

However, in the last 20 minutes of the match Chiefs were throwing everything at Pirates as they searched for a second goal and they were rewarded in the 76th minute when Wandile Duba scored with a glancing header converted from a well-delivered Puso Dithejane’s cross.

Chiefs had an opportunity to level matters in the final minute with a freekick just outside the box but they could not convert.

The match exposed Chiefs' inability to fix the defensive errors that saw them conceding over 40 goals last season.

Chiefs coach Vela Khumalo will need to put some serious work into his defence if they want to be among the top teams this season.

Pirates were under the guidance of former player Joseph Makhanya who took over from Mandla Qhogi who led the team to a third-place finish last season.

In other matches that were played at the same venue over the weekend:

• League defending champions Stellenbosch did not have a great start as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Cape Town City on Saturday.

• The KZN derby was the only derby that had only one goal. The match had its phases where chances were created but they could not score. Siphephelo Majola was the only player who managed to convert to earn Usuthu all three points.

• On Sunday Mamelodi Sundowns started the season with a victory when they edged Pretoria rivals SuperSport United 2-1. SuperSport gave it their best shot but Sundowns goalkeeper Holomo Mopeli delivered a 10 out of 10 performance to ensure his side collected all three points.

• Other results: Chippa United 1-1 Royal AM, Swallows 1-1 Richards Bay, Sekhukhune United 2-0 Marumo Gallants.