Orlando Pirates fall to Sekhukhune on Ouaddou’s league debut

Orlando Pirates completed an opening day filled with surprises from the Betway Premiership as the Bucs fired blanks in a 0-1 home defeat to Sekhukhune United on Saturday.

Siphesihle Mkhize’s 48th minute strike just snuck over the goal line before Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine could punch the ball away, giving Babina Noko a massive result to kickoff their top flight campaign.

It was no less than the visitors deserved at the Orlando Stadium. Sekhukhune were unlucky not to snatch the lead just past three minutes when Bradley Grobler and Vuyo Letlapa came close to opening the scoring, with Letlapa lashing just wide after Tsepo Matsimbi’s cross caused all sorts of issues for the Bucs defense.

For their part, the hosts were dangerous as well in head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s league debut with last season’s runners-up. Sekhukhune defender Daniel Cardoso turned a cross off his own post and Vusumuzi Mncube’s strike from distance had goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner scrambling.

But the gut punch early in the second half from Sekhukhune proved to be the difference. After failing to clear a free kick, Mkhize collected the ball to put his shot firmly on target and that was enough to beat Chaine, who could not get over in time after diving to block another effort that went off the post.

Pirates pushed furiously for an equalizer but hit the woodwork twice. Leaner could only watch as Mbekezile Mbokazi’s placed header went off the post in the 76th minute while new signing Yanela Mbuthuma could only direct his header over the bar nine minutes later.

The full time whistle marked a second consecutive victory for Sekhukhune at Orlando Stadium in league play. Both teams previously emerged victorious last weekend in the MTN 8 quarterfinals to begin their 2025-26 seasons.

Earlier, reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns were surprised away at Chippa United, who found a second half equalizer in their 1-1 draw. Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu emerged as opening day winners with the latter earning a 1-0 victory at home in Durban.

Top flight debutants Siwelele finish up the action on Saturday, currently in action against Golden Arrows. On Sunday, TS Galaxy host Durban City before an intriguing clash between Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs finishes up the weekend.

Saturday Scores

Chippa United 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

AmaZulu 1-0 Orbit College

Polokwane City 0-0 Magesi FC

Richards Bay 1-2 Marumo Gallants

Orlando Pirates 0-1 Sekhukhune United

Siwelele 0-0 Golden Arrows (in progress)