Orlando Pirates return to the top of the Betway Premiership

Orlando Pirates have reclaimed their throne at the top of the Betway Premiership standings after a disciplined 2-0 victory over AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Buccaneers showed championship mettle, striking early and striking late to move to 36 points, opening a vital three-point gap over Mamelodi Sundowns at the summit.

RELE MOFOKENG SPARKS EARLY CELEBRATIONS FOR ORLANDO PIRATES

The Sea Robbers wasted no time in asserting their dominance. In the 16th minute, teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng rose in the centre of the box to head home a pinpoint cross from Tshepang Moremi, silencing the Durban crowd.

Pirates’ fluid attack, spearheaded by Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, and Moremi, kept Usuthu goalkeeper Darren Johnson under constant pressure. Johnson was forced into several high-quality saves in the first half, notably denying Deon Hotto and Thalente Mbatha to keep the hosts in the contest. AmaZulu’s best opportunity fell to Keegan Allan in the 19th minute, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Sipho Chaine.

USUTHU PRESSURE, CHAINE RESISTANCE

The second half saw Pablo Franco Martin’s men throw everything at the visitors. The introduction of Athini Maqokola and Langelihle Mhlongo shifted the momentum, forcing Pirates into a defensive shift.

The Buccaneers’ defensive resolve was epitomised by Sipho Chaine, who required medical attention in the 85th minute after a brave intervention to concede a corner. Despite the rising tension and a flurry of yellow cards—including one for Lebone Seema—the Pirates backline refused to buckle.

With the clock ticking down and AmaZulu committed forward, Pirates exploited the space on the break. In the 94th minute, Mofokeng nearly doubled his personal tally, rattling the left post with a fierce strike following an unselfish layoff from substitute Evidence Makgopa.

The pressure eventually told just seconds later. In a desperate attempt to clear the danger during a final Pirates surge, Darren Johnson inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Soweto giants.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s tactical “pack shuffling” proved masterly. The introduction of Andre de Jong, Masindi Nemtajela, and Daniel Msendami allowed Pirates to navigate a demanding final period and maintain their intensity.

The win is a massive statement of intent as the title race heats up. Pirates return to Johannesburg as the league leaders, putting the ball firmly in Mamelodi Sundowns’ court.