Appollis strikes on debut as Orlando Pirates cruise to win in MTN 8 opener

Orlando Pirates marked the beginning of the 2025-26 season in South African football with a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City on Saturday to open up the quarterfinal round of the MTN 8. Debutant Oswin Appollis scored on his first appearance before Patrick Maswanganyi doubled the advantage in a routine victory at Orlando Stadium.

However, it was a bittersweet debut for Appollis who scored against his former club but was forced off on the hour mark due to injury. The attacking midfielder produced a calm finish in the 11th minute after running to get on the receiving end of a clever pass from Boitumelo Radiopane.

In the 35th minute it was Maswanganyi who converted from the penalty spot to double the lead for the Bucs who encountered little trouble against a clearly overmatched Polokwane side. The Limpopo province club surprised last season to finish in the top half and qualify for the MTN 8 but stood little chance without former star Appollis.

It was also a sparkling debut for new Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou whose team marched to a routine victory. The winners of the last three editions of the curtain raising competition in South Africa will be eager to continue their positive start later this month in the semifinals.

Sekhukhune United and TS Galaxy will duel in Saturday’s later quarterfinal at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Stellenbosch FC host AmaZulu to open proceedings on Sunday before league champions Mamelodi Sundowns duel with Richards Bay in Pretoria to close out the quarterfinal stage.