Orlando Pirates move within one point of Sundowns after Gallants win

Orlando Pirates strengthened their challenge at the top of the Betway Premiership with a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

The result was the Buccaneers’ fifth consecutive league win and moved them to 19 points from seven matches one behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 20 points from eight games. Pirates also have a match in hand.

Kabelo Kgosietsile put the visitors in front before half-time, while Nkosinathi Sibisi added a second 15 minutes from the end to complete another controlled performance from the title contenders.

Pirates have conceded only one penalty this season, in their 1-1 draw with AmaZulu last month.

For Marumo Gallants, the defeat was their fifth in the league campaign. They have also recorded two draws and remain bottom of the table with only two points from seven matches.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made one alteration to the side that defeated Durban City on Thursday, selecting Simphiwe Selepe in place of Mthetheli Mthiyane, who dropped to the bench.

Gallants were under new management, with Ronni Kanalelo taking charge after replacing Phuti Mohafe. However, the change could not deliver the club’s first victory of the season.

Pirates began brightly, with Tshepang Moremi causing problems for the home defence. They eventually broke the deadlock after 30 minutes when Kgosietsile ran in behind the Gallants back line and volleyed into the near corner.

Gallants had a chance to respond immediately. After Pirates lost possession, Mxolisi Kunene drove through the centre and found himself one-on-one with Sipho Chaine. But he dragged his effort wide, missing an opportunity to level.

The hosts improved after the interval and tried to put pressure on the visitors, but Pirates’ defence remained organised and prevented Gallants from creating clear chances.

Despite having played Durban City on Tuesday, the Buccaneers maintained their intensity and continued to control much of the second half.

Their second goal came from a corner 15 minutes before full-time, with Sibisi finishing to secure the points and reduce the distance between Pirates and Sundowns to a single point.