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Despite <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/saleng-dzvukamanja-inspire-orlando-pirates-to-victory-over-maritzburg-united/bltf57222b4a8e7d486" target="_blank">edging Maritzburg United 2-1,</a> match statistics prove that Orlando Pirates were not at their attacking best during Friday's Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium.An <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/saleng-is-orlando-pirates-star-the-psl-footballer-of-the-season/blt89144fdb5536bb51" target="_blank">impressive Monnapule Saleng</a> and Terrence Dzukamanja were on target for the Buccaneers who conceded Tumelo Njoti's late strike for Maritzburg.Most of Pirates' shortcomings were in attack and suggest the contest should not have been won by a slim margin if they were sharpshooters.GOAL takes you through some of the match-defining statistics.<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Orlando Pirates stats against Maritzburg United prove they're already missing Chickelday

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Orlando Pirates

SuperSport United

Pirates fans might be celebrating their team's victory and the beautiful goals that accompanied it but the team coaches might be worried their accuracy was not spot-on.Since early January when the Buccaneers hired a specialist strikers' coach Scott Chickelday, there was some massive improvement in their goal returns.But against Maritzburg, the Soweto giants managed just three shots on target from their goal attempts. They fired off target six times and were denied by the woodwork once while two of their shots were blocked.Maybe they need to rehire Chickelday for another short stint working with his forwards.But Chickeday himself was following their Maritzburg outing and was impressed by Dzvukamanja who he described as "deadly in the air."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This guy is deadly in the air! Dzvuka 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/vTzqCfNCom">pic.twitter.com/vTzqCfNCom</a>— Scott Chickelday (@scott_c9) <a href="https://twitter.com/scott_c9/status/1626848591863066627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Chickelday's absence being felt?

Statistics show Maritzburg defence was steely and was instrumental in thwarting several raids by the Sea Robbers.The Team of Choice made 20 crucial interceptions and two blocks, plus goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner made one good save to limit the damage.Maritzburg also made eight clearances to frustrate Pirates' attacking efforts.

Maritzburg defenders too much for Bucs attackers

Coach Jose Riveiro was in the stands serving a suspension but he got it right in taking control of the game as the Buccaneers were spot-on when it comes to passing accuracy which stood at 85 percent.Their circulation of the ball while trying to find ways to breach Maritzburg saw the Soweto giants completing 434 successful passes from a total of 508.Saleng, roving between either flank, led their attacks from the wings as 18 crosses were delivered by Pirates.Both their goals came from the wings which have become their biggest source of goals in most games.

Bucs' passing stats show Riveiro's game plan

While Maritzburg were impressive at the back, Pirates were equally solid in defence.As per match statistics, the Buccaneers' defence made 14 clearances and five blocks which were crucial in avoiding conceding goals.Pirates also made 14 interceptions to keep their visitors at bay.

Pirates defence remains steely

Pirates dominated possession and when that is combined with passing accuracy and a steely defence, they did everything to claim maximum points.Riveiro's men enjoyed 59 percent ball possession against Maritzburg's 41.They made sure the game was under their control and that limited the Team of Choice's chances of claiming at least a point away from home.

In the end, stats prove Pirates deserved victory

Do Orlando Pirates stats against Maritzburg United prove they're already missing Chickelday? | Goal.com US

Despite edging Maritzburg United 2-1, match statistics prove that Orlando Pirates were not at their attacking best during Friday&apos;s Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium.

Orlando Pirates stats against Maritzburg United prove they're already missing Chickelday

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