Orlando Pirates extend unbeaten Betway Premiership run with TS Galaxy win

Orlando Pirates maintained their unbeaten start to the 2026/26 Betway Premiership season with a 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday evening.

The visitors had generated attention before kick-off through social media banter, some of which appeared to go beyond the usual pre-match exchanges, depending on the perspective. But Pirates showed no indication that they had been distracted by the build-up.

Previous meetings between the clubs have included confrontations involving technical staff and security personnel, but there was no repeat of those incidents this time. TS Galaxy, playing without head coach Bernard Parker after his reported resignation, instead made the more positive start on the pitch.

Galaxy’s pressing and movement suggested clear work on the training ground, particularly in the way they attempted to overload wide areas during transitions. Their approach created promising situations, although they lacked the final touch that has often proved difficult for the division’s smaller sides.

Pirates punished that weakness with a well-constructed move which ended with Boitumelo Radiopane tapping in the opening goal. It was the only score of a first half in which the hosts gradually took control.

Simphiwe Masilela and Oswin Appollis worked hard in support of Radiopane, while Giamphani Lungu provided consistent assistance to debutant right-back Bulelani Sigomoshe. Sigomoshe was deputising for the injured Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Appollis was forced to leave the field with an injury and was replaced by Tshepang Moremi. The substitute made an immediate impact after the interval, scoring Pirates’ second goal shortly into the second half and giving the home side greater breathing room.

Masilela then completed the scoring with 10 minutes remaining. The forward has impressed in recent matches and his latest goal further underlined his growing influence in the starting line-up.

The result takes Pirates to 22 points, leaving them one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns. Sundowns have played one match more and moved to the top end of the standings after beating Richards Bay 4-1 at Princes Magogo Stadium earlier on Tuesday evening.