*Caption: Bloemfontein Celtic goalkeeper

Written by: Lwazi Hlangu

Lamontville Golden Arrows Coach Clinton Larsen blamed a second half defensive collapse for the team’s 3-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates, at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

On form Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro scored a second-half opener before Nduduzo Sibiya equalised for Abafana Bes’thende. Ndoro went to score two great goals and completed his hat-trick which gave the Bucs an open day victory.

Larsen commended the team’s first half showing, saying they were on per with the Bucs.

“We started the game brightly, defended well with Mbaeva having only one save to make which he tipped over the crossbar. We looked threatening throughout the first half and should have taken at least two of the numerous chances that we had created. Because of this, we went into the break 0-0,” said Larsen.

He then summed up the second half, pointing out that his defense’s poor marking cost them the game.

“The second half, we competed well but defended poorly resulting in us conceding three goals. Even after Sibiya got us back to 1-1, our poor marking in our defensive third gifted Ndoro two more goals to take the game away from us,” concluded Larsen.

Kurt Lantjies awarded Maritzburg United with their first three points against Bloemfontein Celtics when the inspirational captain scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the Team of Choice.

In the other Wednesday night game, Robert N’gambi’s 62nd-minute goal was enough for Platinum Stars to upset SuperSport United in another 1-0.

Tuesday night games saw Cape Town City mark their first ever league game with a 2-0 win over Polokwane City while Baroka FC played a scoreless draw with Ajax Cape Town.

But the biggest drama of the night saw Bidvest Wits and Chippa United humble Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Star, respectively, with both matches ending 2-1.