TENDAI Ndoro scored a hat-trick to help Orlando Pirates hammer Golden Arrows 3-1 in their opening Absa Premiership match of the new season at Orlando Stadium last night.
The Zimbabwean single handedly destroyed Arrows after the break to end any hope of snatching a point. If Ndoro’s performance is anything to go by he is going to be a serious contender for top goalscorer award.
Ertugral preferred Felipe Ovono in goals ahead of Brighton Mhlongo who was not part of the 18-man squad.
The Turkish born coach, had Bafana Bafana second choice goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane on the bench which shows that Mhlongo will need to double his work rate to regain his place.
The outspoken mentor gave defender Thembela Sikhakhane his debut at right back against his former club having impressed him during trials, while he preferred the pairing of Happy Jele and Ayanda Gcaba in central defence with Thabo Matlaba playing on the left.
The match was a real test for Bucs new mentor who has a huge task to achieve his mandate of helping his charges maintain the club’s rich history which saw them lift the double treble.
Ertugral came into the match under pressure as his side never had an impressive pre-season having lost the Carling Black Label Cup 2-0 to fierce Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs on 30 July, followed by a 3-1 defeat to champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the Dr Hage Geingob Cup semifinal played in Namibia.
Pirates struggled to break the Arrows defence in the first half and the visitors looked dangerous on quick counter attacks.
However, Ndoro gave Bucs the lead four minutes into the second half with an easy tap-in from inside the penalty box following a terrific cross from Thabo Rakhale.
Bucs joy was short lived, however, as Nduduzo Sibiya grabbed the equaliser for Arrows in the 62nd minute.
Ndoro troubled Arrows defenders again in the 67th minute when he restored Bucs lead with a great header giving Mbaeva no chance.
The speedy player grabbed his third of the night with a clinical finish in the 77th minutes to the delight of Bucs fans and a huge relief for Ertugral.
Other results: Bloemfontein Celtic 0 Maritzburg United 1, Platinum Stars 1 SuperSport United 0.