Written by: Floyd Nkanyane
Orlando Pirates maintained their impressive form on Wednesday evening, securing their sixth consecutive victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium. The result keeps the Buccaneers firmly in contention of the Betway Premiership title.
Early Strike Proves Decisive
The match was settled early when Tshepang Moremi found the back of the net in the sixth minute, providing what would prove to be the only goal of the encounter. This crucial strike allowed Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side to close the gap on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to just three points, though importantly, Pirates hold two games in hand over the defending champions.
Pirates Dominate but Fail to Extend Lead
Despite controlling much of the proceedings, Orlando Pirates were unable to add to their tally, missing several presentable opportunities throughout the match. Man of the Match Patrick Maswanganyi came close in the 34th minute when his curling effort from outside the box narrowly missed the target. The talented midfielder remained a constant threat, forcing Polokwane goalkeeper Bwire into a superb save in the 70th minute with a close-range curler.
Evidence Makgopa will rue a golden opportunity in the 59th minute when he connected with Maswanganyi’s cross but could only direct his close-range effort against the woodwork. Substitute Yanela Mbuthuma also tested Bwire with an attempt aimed at the top corner in the 68th minute, while Appolis saw his effort blocked against his former club in the 74th minute.
Polokwane Create Limited Chances
The visitors from Limpopo had their moments, particularly in the first half. Bonginkosi Dlamini fashioned a promising opportunity in the 36th minute after stealing possession on the edge of the area, but his touch was that of a Heavy D as it allowed Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to race off his line and clear the danger. Manuel Kambala nearly equalized from a free kick in first-half stoppage time, but Chaine was equal to the task, pushing the ball to safety.
Title Race Heats Up
The victory ensures Orlando Pirates maintain their third-place position in the standings. They trail leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, with surprise package Sekhukhune United occupying second place. Eternal rivals Kaizer Chiefs sit just behind Pirates in fourth position with 16 points, adding extra spice to the title chase.
For Polokwane City, dubbed “Rise and Shine,” the defeat represents their second loss in three matches. They are next in action on the 1st of November, playing host to Richards Bay at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium while locked in a three-way tie on points with Durban City (5th) and AmaZulu (7th), making every fixture crucial as they seek to climb the table.
So as the Betway Premiership season continues to unfold, Orlando Pirates’ winning streak and games in hand position them as genuine title contenders, though they will need to convert more of their chances if they are to maintain their pursuit of the league leaders.
More troubling, they have an eye-watering CAF Champions League three-goal deficit to overcome on Saturday when they welcome Saint-Éloi Lupopo to eSgodini.
Orlando Pirates
1 (Moremi 6’)
Polokwane City 0
