Orlando Pirates secured an important 2-0 victory over SuperSport United in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday night, bouncing back from their recent cup disappointment. The Buccaneers, playing at home, delivered a resilient performance, extending their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 season with their fourth consecutive win.
A goal in each half ensured all three points for José Riveiro’s men, who now sit at the top of the Premiership standings.
The match came at a crucial time, with Pirates looking to regain momentum after their early cup exit just days earlier.
Pirates wasted no time in asserting their dominance, striking just two minutes after the opening whistle.
Evidence Makgopa opened the scoring with a composed finish, capitalizing on a pinpoint pass from Thabiso Sesane.
The early goal set the tone for a high-energy first half, with the home side pushing to increase their lead.
Despite several opportunities, Pirates were unable to extend their advantage early in the game.
Makgopa had another chance to score, while Mohau Nkota’s excellent long ball to Relebohile Mofokeng also went unfinished.
SuperSport United, though under pressure, managed to limit the damage to just one goal during the first half.
SuperSport United struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening period, with Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine dealing comfortably with a couple of efforts from Vincent Pule and Lyle Lakay.
Despite flashes of attacking play, including a good link-up between Tashreeq Morris and Pule just before the halftime whistle, SuperSport were unable to test Chaine seriously, leaving them trailing 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, Pirates continued their search for a second goal.
Nkota came close in the 53rd minute, missing the target from close range after a slick passing move involving Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi.
Makgopa also had a headed effort that went wide, while Mofokeng was denied a shot after being dispossessed at a crucial moment.
As the match progressed, the Buccaneers held onto their slender lead, with SuperSport enjoying a brief spell of pressure towards the end of the game.
However, Pirates’ defense stood firm, preventing any serious threats to their goal.
With SuperSport United pushing for a late equalizer, Pirates found the breathing space they needed in injury time.
Substitute Deon Hotto produced a moment of brilliance, curling a superb left-footed strike from outside the box into the top corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.
Hotto’s goal secured the 2-0 win and ensured that Pirates comfortably saw out the final minutes of the match.
The victory lifts Orlando Pirates to the top of the DStv Premiership standings, continuing their strong start to the season.
With their confidence restored, the Buccaneers will look to build on this momentum as they aim to stay at the summit of the league.
Meanwhile, SuperSport United will have to regroup and assess their performance as they seek to climb the table in the coming weeks.
