Orlando Pirates extend Betway Premiership lead with victory over Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates moved to the top of the Betway Premiership with a 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, making it two victories against the same opponents in four days.

Boitumelo Radiopane opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Oswin Appollis added a second after the interval. The result took Pirates to 10 points from their opening four league matches, making them the first side to reach double figures this season.

The Buccaneers had already beaten Sekhukhune in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at the weekend, and they again proved too strong for Babina Noko in the second meeting between the clubs.

With Pirates’ regular number nines unavailable, Radiopane took responsibility in attack and delivered an assured finish. The 24-year-old found space in a crowded penalty area, turned away from his marker and struck the ball into the bottom corner of Melusi Buthelezi’s goal.

Radiopane was involved again when Pirates doubled their lead 16 minutes into the second half. He raced beyond the Sekhukhune defensive line and, rather than attempting to finish himself, showed composure to square the ball across the area.

Appollis was able to take possession with only Buthelezi between him and the goal. The Bafana Bafana winger kept his cool and calmly completed the move to make it 2-0.

It was another carefully managed appearance for Appollis, who has not played a full 90 minutes for Pirates this season after his involvement with Bafana at the World Cup.

Pirates controlled much of the match and kept another clean sheet, while Sekhukhune struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their opponents did show improvement in spells compared with the first meeting, but they were unable to find a way through a well-organised Pirates defence.

Pirates coach Ouaddou made several changes to the team that started the opening leg of the MTN8 tie, seemingly with next Saturday’s decisive second leg in mind. The rotation did not disrupt the side’s structure, however, as they maintained control and secured another win.

For Sekhukhune coach Cedric Kaze, the defeat was another setback against the same opponent, despite the progress his team had shown at times during the first encounter.

The clubs will meet for a third time next Saturday, when the MTN8 semi-final will be decided. Pirates will take a 1-0 lead from the first leg into that match, alongside the confidence gained from beating Sekhukhune again in the league.