Orlando Pirates strengthen Betway Premiership lead with win over Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Betway Premiership with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

Boitumelo Radiopane put the hosts ahead before Oswin Appollis, celebrating his birthday, added a second after the break to secure Pirates’ fourth league win.

However, Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns or AmaZulu could join Pirates on 10 points after four matches, or move above them on goal difference, when they play on Wednesday night.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made several changes to his starting line-up, leaving out regular defender Nkosinathi Sibisi and striker Yanela Mbuthuma, who has been struggling to convert his chances.

The home side were also without crowd favourite Patrick Maswanganyi, who has moved to Bahrain Premier League club Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

Ouaddou was taking charge of his 50th match and handed starting places to Sbangani Zulu, Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheli Mthiyane, Daniel Msendani, Simphiwe Masilela and Radiopane. The players rewarded that faith with strong performances.

Sekhukhune coach Cedric Kaze retained a number of his regular campaigners, including Melusi Buthelezi, Daniel Cardoso, Siphesihle Mkhize, Lehlohonolo Mojela and Bright Ndlovu.

The visitors had the first clear opening of the match, but goalkeeper Buthelezi was forced into action early when he denied Radiopane after Pirates launched their first meaningful attack.

Sekhukhune threatened after 19 minutes when a swift counter-attack took them into the Pirates penalty area. They were unable to take advantage, despite putting the home defence under pressure.

Radiopane eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. He got beyond Sekhukhune defender Tsepo Masimbi before beating Buthelezi to score his first goal since December 2024.

Mojela almost levelled before half-time, finding himself in promising positions twice in quick succession after Sekhukhune breached the Pirates defence. On both occasions, though, he could not find the net.

Pirates gained firm control soon after the half-hour mark and doubled their advantage after the interval. Radiopane released Appollis, who finished for his second goal of the season and marked his birthday with a decisive contribution.

The result also gave Pirates their third clean sheet, while Sekhukhune’s evening ended with an additional setback when Kaze was shown a red card late in the second half.

Kaze will therefore be suspended from the touchline when the two sides meet again at Orlando Stadium on Saturday in the second leg of the MTN8 tie. Sekhukhune must overturn a 1-0 deficit in that match.

The defeat left Sekhukhune United in sixth place and cost them the chance to collect three points.

Elsewhere in Tuesday’s matches, Durban City beat Kruger United 2-0, TS Galaxy defeated Marumo Gallants 3-2, and Siwelele FC drew 1-1 with Chippa.