Orlando Pirates close in on Mamelodi Sundowns after Marumo Gallants win

Orlando Pirates moved to within one point of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-0 victory over struggling Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

The result keeps Pirates firmly in the title race, with Sundowns having played one more fixture. Marumo Gallants remain without a win and at the foot of the table.

Pirates made the stronger start and nearly took the lead in the fifth minute when in-form defender Lebone Seema headed wide from a Thapelo Mokobodi set-piece.

Mokobodi then went close himself eight minutes later, sending a curling free-kick just beyond the target.

Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Wandeu Merlin was called into action in the 26th minute, saving from midfielder Simphiwe Masilela. The hosts were beaten six minutes later, however, when winger Kabelo Kgotsitsile scored his first goal of the season.

Neither side created another clear opportunity before half-time, leaving the visitors with a 1-0 advantage at the interval.

Pirates controlled possession after the restart and sought to extend their lead, but they repeatedly struggled to produce the decisive pass in the final third.

Mokobodi tested Merlin again in the 65th minute, while Masilela missed the target eight minutes later after arriving unmarked inside the box.

The second goal finally arrived in the 74th minute. Marumo Gallants were punished for switching off as Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi rose to head home from another set-piece and make it 2-0.

Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou responded by making four substitutions immediately after Sibisi’s goal, but his side could not alter the outcome.

Pirates held on for a deserved victory against a stubborn Marumo Gallants side and strengthened their position just behind Sundowns in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership standings.