Moremi seals Orlando Pirates victory in tense league opener against Milford

Orlando Pirates began their defence of the championship title with a 2-0 victory over league newcomers Milford FC, although the scoreline did not reflect the extent of their dominance in a tense opening match.

The defending champions were expected to make a more convincing start against the rookies, but they were made to work hard for their first three points of the season. Pirates led 1-0 for much of the game before Tshepang Moremi finally secured the result in the 85th minute.

Moremi took advantage of a tiring Milford FC defence and beat goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza as he advanced from his line, placing the ball into an empty net and sending the Orlando Pirates supporters into full voice.

The Buccaneers faithful turned out in large numbers, eager to return to local football after the long and drawn-out 2026 Fifa World Cup. They were rewarded with a winning start, although coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will feel his side should have made the outcome more comfortable.

Pirates controlled possession and created most of the early opportunities. Oswin Appollis, Hotto and Kamogelo Sebelebele were among the players who helped the home side establish an early advantage, while Patrick Maswanganyi was selected as the creative central midfielder following the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng.

Ouaddou paired the promising Camren Dansin with Thalente Mbatha in the double-pivot midfield, where they were tasked with dealing with Mvelo Zikakayo and Thobani Bhengu.

In attack, Appollis, Moremi and Yanela Mbuthuma were given responsibility for testing a Milford FC defence marshalled by Olwethu Cele and Vusumuzi Mthabela. Pirates repeatedly reached the final third but were let down by poor decision-making and wasted chances.

Milford FC were not entirely limited to defending. They twice tested Sipho Chaine from distance inside the opening 20 minutes, showing enough attacking threat to keep the match competitive.

Pirates eventually broke the deadlock after 24 minutes when Appollis’ free-kick found the net. The goal was awarded to Appollis, although the ball appeared to have deflected off Milford FC defender Vusumuzi Mthabela on its way into the unguarded goal.

Appollis marked the moment by raising the 23 sign in honour of his late friend Jayden Adams.

Pirates increased the tempo after the interval and came close to adding a second shortly after the hour mark. Hotto was denied by the alert Hleza, who had quickly moved off his line to block the attempt.

Ouaddou remained unhappy with the narrow advantage and made a series of changes during the closing stages. Mbuthuma, Appollis, Hotto, Sebelebele and Maswanganyi were withdrawn, with Kabelo Kgisitsile, Neo Rapoo, Radiopane, Simphiwe Masilela and Gamphani Lungu introduced.

The substitutions altered Pirates’ shape and provided a fresh attacking threat. Moremi then delivered the decisive moment, catching the Milford FC defence off guard before rounding the advancing Hleza and finishing into an empty net.

The depth available to Ouaddou could prove important as Pirates return to the Champions League after the disappointment of last season. The club also began this match without Mpho Chabatsane, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Deano van Rooyen, Makhehleni Makhaula, Masindi Nemtajela, Andre de Jong, Kabelo Dlamini, Daniel Msendani and Evidence Makgopa.

Milford FC coach Dr Xanti Pupuma can nevertheless take encouragement from his team’s spirited display. They will look to build on that performance when they play Siwelele FC in their second match of the season.

Pirates supporters also paid tribute to Mofokeng, who has joined Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, with a large banner reading: ‘Thank You President Yama 2K.

Before kick-off, the 30th anniversary of the PSL was marked with a show featuring flags representing the 52 teams that have played in the league, alongside a musical performance.