Moremi the hero as Pirates return to winning ways

In a tense, physical encounter that saw Orlando Pirates desperately seek a return to winning away, it was star attacker Tshepang Moremi who delivered the vital blow, securing a 1-0 victory over the resilient Polokwane City FC side at home.

The Soweto giants sealed the win in front of their supporters at Orlando Stadium in Soweto in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.

This comes after their shocking defeat in the CAF Champions League. The humbling 3-0 loss to DRC’s St Eloi Lupopo in Lubumbashi had served as a stark reality check for Pirates, demanding an immediate response.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wasted no time in making significant changes to his lineup. Oswin Appollis, Patrick Maswanganyi, Lebone Seema, and Nkosikhona Ndaba were all recalled to the starting XI, though star player Relebohile Mofokeng remained on the sidelines.

The new-look side got off to a perfect start. Tshepang Moremi provided the breakthrough, notching his second league goal of the season after firing a decisive shot past the City goalkeeper, Brian Bwire.

With the early lead in hand, the home side dominated possession throughout the first half. The lively Masindi Nemtajela came close to doubling the advantage around the 20-minute mark with a powerful long-range effort that was deflected just wide. Meanwhile, the visitors, Rise and Shine, struggled to create clear opportunities. Their best chance came late in the half when Bonginkosi Dlamini broke through on goal, but Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was quick off his line to make a crucial save.

Second-Half Grind By Pirates

The second half began slowly, with the rhythm of the game dropping noticeably. The first real moment of tension arrived in the 54th minute when a floated set-piece into the Buccaneers’ box caused some nervous juggling before the defence finally cleared the threat.

Pirates ramped up the pressure shortly after. In the 59th minute, a clever ball from Maswanganyi found Evidence Makgopa, whose close-range shot rattled the upright. Just four minutes later, Moremi looked for his brace, but his low drive was kept out by the alert Bwire. Maswanganyi also tested the City keeper in the 70th minute, attempting to curl a shot in from a tight angle, only to be denied again.

As the clock ticked down, the tempo eased again. Sipho Chaine was called into action for a comfortable stop to deny Puleng Marema in the 77th minute. In the latter stages, Pirates adopted a pragmatic approach, sitting deeper and successfully nullifying any last-gasp threats. In added time, Sihli Nduli latched onto a loose ball but sent the ball just over the crossbar.

Pirates held on resolutely for the slender but vital 1-0 victory, providing a much-needed morale boost after their continental woes.