Orlando Pirates beat Marumo Gallants to extend unbeaten run to 11 games

Orlando Pirates continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

The result extended the Buccaneers’ run without defeat to 11 matches in all competitions and moved them to within one point of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, with Pirates having played one game fewer.

The victory also secured a place in the history of the Premier Soccer League. Abdeslam Ouaddou became the first Orlando Pirates coach in the league era to oversee a 20-match unbeaten run, stretching back to February last season.

Pirates controlled the opening stages and took the lead after 32 minutes through Kabelo Kgositsile.

The 23-year-old winger found space behind the Marumo Gallants defence before meeting Thapelo Mokobodi’s pass with a confident volley. His effort cleared the goalkeeper and found the net, giving Pirates the reward their early dominance had deserved.

It was Kgositsile’s first goal in top-flight football and completed an impressive first-half display from the visitors.

Marumo Gallants were unable to produce an immediate response, while Pirates remained patient in possession and continued to look for a second goal rather than surrendering control of the match.

That goal arrived in the 74th minute, when captain Nkosinathi Sibisi doubled the advantage.

The Bafana Bafana defender rose above the Gallants defence at a corner and met another delivery from Mokobodi, directing a powerful header into the net.

Sibisi’s goal effectively settled the contest and completed another disciplined performance from Pirates, who have now avoided defeat in 11 successive matches across all competitions.

For Ouaddou, the result added to a significant league achievement. His unbeaten run has reached 20 matches, despite the Moroccan coach having previously faced questions about his future at the club.

Pirates’ continued consistency has strengthened his record since taking charge.

The Buccaneers will now enter a three-week international break before returning to competitive action on 10 October.

Their next fixture will be a major one, as they face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.

The two clubs are separated by only one point in the league standings, while a trophy will also be at stake when they meet after the break.