Cymot SKW suffered their first defeat of the season when they lost 2-0 to Orlando Pirates at the SKW field on Friday night. Johannes Seibeb gave Pirates an early lead with a 30m strike, while their Brazilian substitute Leander made it 2-0 with a minute to go. Pirates were full value for their win, creating numerous scoring chances, especially in the second half, while SKW’s chances were few and far between. Despite the defeat, SKW still lead the log on 12 points from five matches, but Pirates are now second, only one point behind.
Despite the rainy, blustery conditions, a crowd of close to 1 000 people turned up to watch the clash of the log leaders.
An error by SKW keeper Sven Wiedenroth handed Pirates the lead after 11 minutes. Johannes Seibeb struck a long-range shot and although Wiedenroth had it covered, he couldn’t control the wet, swerving ball and it went through his hands into the net.
Marco van Wyk came close for SKW but Pirates’ keeper Heribert Kapeng made two fine saves in quick succession.
Towards the end of the first half a 30m freekick by Pirates midfielder Tobias Mekondjo just skimmed the upright.
Pirates came out attacking in the second half and Wiedenroth saved two early attempts by Seibeb and Klaas Blom, while SKW defender Ralph Ellinger did well to keep the high balls out. Pirates had most of the possession and came close on two successive corners, while a 20m Mekondjo shot went over the bar.
SKW’s best chance came after a quick counter attack with 10 minutes to go when Marco van Wyk put Kef van Wyk clear on the right. His centre was met by Jacky Stephanus, but with only the keeper to beat he blasted over the bar.
Pirates’ substitute strikers John Samson and the Brazilian Leander started troubling SKW’s defence towards the end and in the final minute they combined as Samson put Leander clear for the Brazilian to stab home from close range.
For Pirates, Seibeb had a fine game in midfield, as did Wilfred Coetzee in attack. For SKW, Ellinger stood out in defence, as well as Sledge Gwaseb and Chepela Chepela in midfield.
Beiter blasts officiating
SKW’s assistant coach Rolf Beiter was unhappy about referee Matthew Katjimune’s officiating.
“The refereeing was not good. We received five yellow cards compared to Pirates’ one. Sheldon du Plessis also got a red card in the final five minutes wen he threw the ball down although it was out of play on the touchline. But it does not alter the result – Pirates deserved to win,” he said.
SKW 0 Pirates 2
Pirates
Johannes Seibeb 11, Leander 89’