Orlando Pirates maintain title pace with 3-0 win over TS Galaxy

Orlando Pirates responded to their MTN8 final defeat by beating TS Galaxy 3-0 at Orlando Stadium to remain within a point of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Boitumelo Radiopane gave Pirates the lead in the 18th minute before substitute Tshepang Moremi doubled their advantage five minutes after half-time. Simphiwe Masilela completed the scoring in the 76th minute with his latest impressive contribution for the Buccaneers.

The result moved Orlando Pirates into second place in the standings, one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat Richards Bay FC 4-1 in Durban on Tuesday. Pirates have played one match fewer than the leaders.

The victory also extended Pirates’ winning run in the league to six matches. They have not conceded during that sequence, providing another notable achievement for goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

For TS Galaxy, the defeat extended a difficult run. They have now gone four league matches without a win and face a considerable challenge to revive their campaign.

Galaxy were again without former coach Bernard Parker on the bench as he continues to deal with personal issues. Essau Mtsweni took charge of the side in his absence.

The visitors had the better opportunities during the opening 15 minutes, but Victor Letsoalo, Sedwyn George and Junior Zindoga were unable to convert their chances.

Pirates then took control of the match when Radiopane finished after being set up by Oswin Appollis. Appollis had taken advantage of a miscalculation by Galaxy goalkeeper Tape Ira before providing the pass for the opening goal.

Galaxy almost responded immediately, but Chaine reacted quickly when their attack exposed the Pirates defence, leaving his line to clear the danger.

Moremi strengthened Pirates’ position shortly after the restart, scoring from close range and giving Ira no opportunity to make a save.

Pirates were dealt a setback soon afterwards when Appollis was carried off on a stretcher. His injury will be a concern for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, with the team facing a demanding period of fixtures in the league, Carling Knockout and the Champions League in the coming weeks.

The home side secured all three points when Masilela finished at the end of a rapid attacking move that cut through the Galaxy defence.