Orlando Pirates win South African title
Reuters - Saturday 21 May 2011, 15:45
CAPE TOWN - Orlando Pirates snatched away
the South African league title from Ajax Cape Town on the final
day of the season, winning the championship on goal difference
on Saturday.
A goal six minutes from the time handed Pirates, coached by
former Dutch World Cup captain Ruud Krol, a 2-1 home win over
Lamontville Golden Arrows while Ajax were held to a 2-2 draw by
Maritzburg United.
Ajax would have won the title with a home win and looked
comfortably on course with an overwhelming first half
performance, capped by goal just before the break.
But an error by veteran goalkeeper Hans Vonk, playing the
last game of his career, handed Maritzburg an equaliser in the
58th minute, and then defender Nazeer Allie handled in the
penalty area soon after to allow Maritzburg to go 2-1 ahead.
Although Ajax got a late equaliser, they ran out of time in
search of a winning goal and a victorious send off for their
retiring coach Foppe de Haan.
Instead, Isaac Chansa's 84th minute winner for Pirates
ensured the first title since 2003 for the Soweto giants and
secures them a place in next year's African Champions League.