Pirates earn routine win over Richards Bay, move back level with Sundowns

Oswin Appollis’ first strike and a late penalty from substitute Evidence Makgopa confirmed a 2-0 victory for Betway Premiership title contenders Orlando Pirates against Richards Bay on Wednesday in South Africa’s top flight.

Kamogelo Sebelebele chased down a pass on the right flank and displayed his pace to get to the ball and produce a sliding cross for Appollis to fire in the opener in the 26th minute. The Bafana Bafana winger’s fourth league goal of the campaign stood as the only goal until the final moments of the match.

While the visitors were able to make the odd incursion into the Bucs’ half, tricky wingers Thulani Gumede and Sanele Barns failed to gain too much ground against an attack-minded XI from Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

And a loss of focus led to the only goal of the match in the 26th minute. Collecting the ball on the right wing, Relebohile Mofokeng played a pass towards the end line. It appeared that the Richards Bay defense were convinced the ball would go out of play before Sebelebele’s excellent effort left Appollis with a routine finish.

There was little hope for an equalizer from the visitors before Makgopa converted from the spot in the final moments of second half stoppage time. The hosts move back level with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns to maintain a two-horse title race.

#BetwayPrem – RESULT:

Evidence Makgopa converts from the spot to secure a home victory and maximum points for @orlandopirates. pic.twitter.com/Iuh2SZ0g4s

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) March 11, 2026

Action from the league will resume on Friday with one match featuring Stellenbosch FC hosting TS Galaxy. The Bucs return to action on Saturday against Siwelele FC while Sundowns turn their attention to the CAF Champions League where they will face Stade Malien in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Where Pirates stand in the title picture