Orlando Pirates begin title defence with comfortable win over Milford FC

Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates began the 2026/27 season with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, one in each half, gave Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side a winning start and ensured there was no immediate sign of complacency following last season’s domestic treble.

Pirates had faced questions about their mentality after taking charge as champions, as well as how they would cope without Relebohile Mofokeng. The PSL Footballer of the Season was a key figure in their success last term, but the Buccaneers showed they retain significant attacking quality.

Appollis opened the scoring after 23 minutes with the first goal of the new Betway Premiership campaign. His free-kick took a deflection on its way into the net, giving Pirates the advantage before half-time.

Moremi then confirmed the result five minutes before the end of normal time. He was released by a long ball, went around the Milford goalkeeper and calmly finished into the unguarded net in the 85th minute.

The result marks a significant improvement on the start of Ouaddou’s first season in charge, when Pirates began with successive defeats. On this occasion, the defending champions controlled the contest and dealt comfortably with the challenge posed by the newly promoted side.

Patrick Maswanaganyi operated in the number 10 role, while promising academy graduate Cemran Dansin was handed a rare starting opportunity in midfield.

The performance also offered encouragement that Appollis and Moremi can continue to provide a major threat. Both players were in outstanding form for Pirates last season and picked up where they had left off, despite the departure of Mofokeng.

Pirates’ first home match of the campaign was played in front of a sold-out crowd, underlining the anticipation surrounding another season for the Soweto club. Their opening-day display will further raise expectations that they can repeat last season’s achievements.

The three points put Orlando Pirates at the top of the early Betway Premiership table, a position they occupied for much of the previous campaign. Milford FC, meanwhile, began life in the top flight with defeat, although the match represented their first fixture after promotion.

For the champions, the opening victory provided an immediate response to the pressure that comes with defending a title. Pirates will now look to build on a composed start as they attempt to retain their crown.