Orlando Pirates hummble Man City

[SAspursfan]

As there has never been a posting for African Football. I thought I would get the ball rolling.

Big spending Manchester City got there pre season friendlies off to a disastrous start in the Vodacom Challenge Cup held here in South Africa anually. (spurs played in the same cup tournament 2 seasons ago and won it) It always involves 3 teams being Orlando Pirates (The buccaneers or Bucs) Kaizer Chiefs (Chiefs) and an invitational team from England.

Playing at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane an under strength Manchester City playng without Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and with Gareth Barry on the bench played an under strength Bucs (who were without there 4 Bafana Bafana players)

City were unable to adapt to the conditions, the rareified atmosphere and the speed of the buccaneers. They went behind to a home town decision of a shirt pulling by the Namibian referee judging that Steven Ireland had fouled Frank Olivier (Cameroon). Lucas Thwala converted the penalty past reserve keeper Stuart Taylor in the 1st half. Ctiy's defenders were ran ragged by Pirates two wingers and were given a torrid time by Mabalane and Chenene with both their dribbling skills and crosses into the box.

Martin Petrov was the only player who caused concern to the Piates defence on the left and a couple ogood saves were made to deny Craig Bellamy.

Stuart Taylor was made to look stupid when he conceeded the 2nd goal a 25 metre lob which was meant as a cross made by substitute Oupa Manyisa 10 minutes into the second half.

The game was played on Nelson Mandellas 91st birthday. And Pirates dedicated there win to Madiba.

Man Cities next match is on Tuesday in Durban against Kaizer Chiefs. qhen they are expected to play both Tevez and Santa Cruz.