Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori helped new club Orlando Pirates to win the 2020 MTN8 title with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic Saturday evening.
It is the first silverware for the agile shot-stopper who joined from Maritzburg United a couple of weeks ago.
Ofori did not only keep the post but churned out crucial saves that ensured victory for the Buccaneers.
The first danger signs came from Siwelele Sa Masele when a free-kick from range by Ndumiso Mabena in the first minute forced Ofori to turn for a corner-kick.
And from the corner, Celtic opened the scoring after Mzwanele Mahashe beat Hlatshwayo to an aerial challenge to find an unmarked Siphelele Luthuli who volleyed into the near corner.
The Buccaneers were thrown into further jeopardy midway through the first half when Thabang Monare was stretchered off following a collision, although Josef Zinnbauer opted to introduce Lorch instead of another midfielder.
The equalizer did eventually come a minute from the half-hour mark as a one-touch move from a free-kick freed Hotto to apply a composed bottom-corner finish.
Pirates turned it around 52 minutes in after first-half substitute Theminkosi Lorch sent Jackson Mabokgwane the wrong way from the spot after going down from Ronald Pfumbidzai’s challenge, who earned his marching orders.
The Buccaneers suddenly found renewed optimism inside the closing phases of the match with Zakhele Lepasa going close from a loose pass towards the six-yard area.
Celtic struggled to contain the onslaught as Vincent Pule drew an outstanding save off Mabokwgane with 12 minutes to go following a first-time shot in the area.
Additional info from kickoff
