Orlando Pirates lead Sekhukhune United at half-time after Boitumelo Radiopane strike

Orlando Pirates lead Sekhukhune United 1-0 at half-time in their Betway Premiership meeting at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, with Boitumelo Radiopane scoring 10 minutes before the interval.

Radiopane opened his account for the campaign after being picked out by Kamogelo Sebelebele. The forward held off a challenge before placing his finish into the far corner, giving the Buccaneers the advantage after a lively first half.

The match was played four days after the two sides met in the first leg of their MTN8 fixture. Orlando Pirates made several changes for the league encounter, with Sbangani Zulu making his debut in defence and Simphiwe Masilela, Daniel Msendami and Radiopane making their first starts of the campaign.

Despite the changes, Orlando Pirates showed an attacking intent from the opening stages and looked to find an early goal. Zulu came close to marking his debut with a goal, but Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi was on hand to deny him.

Sekhukhune United also refused to sit back, with Cedric Kaze’s side helping to produce an open contest. The visitors’ approach ensured that the Buccaneers were tested before they eventually found the breakthrough.

Orlando Pirates have had to adjust their attacking options after losing Relebohile Mofokeng and Sipho Mbule. Their forward line was further weakened by Patrick Maswaganyi’s move to Bahrain, leaving Oswin Appollis as the senior presence in a midfield containing a number of new signings.

The Buccaneers’ goal came after sustained pressure and gave Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side a narrow lead going into the interval.

Orlando Pirates started with Sipho Chaine in goal, behind a defensive line of Sbangani Zulu, Thabiso Monyane and Deon Hotto, while Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thalente Mbatha, Miguel Timm and Simphiwe Masilela featured in the midfield. Daniel Msendami, Oswin Appollis and Boitumelo Radiopane were selected in attack.

Their substitutes were Dladla, Chabatsane, Rapoo, Selepe, Mmolai, Ngwato, Kgositsile, Lungu and Pedersen.

Sekhukhune United named Melusi Buthelezi in goal, with Ndlozi, Matsimbi, Cardoso and Kazeem forming the defensive unit. Khiba and Mkhize were included in midfield, while Ramabu, Rammala, Mojela and Ndlovu completed the starting line-up.

Sekhukhune United’s substitutes were Nsabata, Mobbie, Nkwana, Phiri, Mahlangu, Malivha, Mcaba, Mokoena and Tlaka.

The result at the break leaves Orlando Pirates in front after a competitive opening 45 minutes, with Sekhukhune United needing to find a response in the second half.