Pirates lead Kruger at half-time as Lungu injury adds to Bucs concern

Orlando Pirates took a 1-0 half-time lead against newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, but their advantage was overshadowed by an injury to goalscorer Gamphani Lungu.

Lungu converted a penalty in the fourth minute to give the Buccaneers an early lead in the Betway Premiership fixture. However, the new signing was unable to continue and was replaced by Oswin Appollis before the interval.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou named Boitumelo Radiopane in the starting line-up after he impressed in the league victory over Sekhukhune United seven days earlier. Cemran Dansin also returned to midfield after being rested for the previous two matches.

The opening 10 minutes were uneven for Orlando Pirates. They made the ideal start by taking the lead almost immediately, but Lungu’s injury forced an early change and disrupted their momentum.

Kruger United spent much of the first half under pressure and struggled to make use of the possession they did win. The hosts were often hurried when they regained the ball and regularly surrendered it straight back to their opponents.

The home side gradually settled as the half progressed. The top-flight debutants became more composed in both defence and possession, while their set-piece threat began to cause problems for Pirates.

Kruger looked particularly dangerous from corners and long throw-ins. Aphiwe Mpothwe came close to finding an equaliser when his effort was cleared off the line by Sbangani Zulu.

Despite that warning, Orlando Pirates remained in front at the break and will now have to manage the second half without Lungu, who had given them the perfect start.

The match is being played on 1 September 2026 at Mbombela Stadium.

Kruger United started with 1. Ntwari, 18. Mukumela, 4. Sibiya, 26. Mohamme, 13. Seedat, 8. Nel, 44. Tavengwa, 10. Makhubela, 50. Mpothwe, 12. Malatjie and 11. Zwane.

Their substitutes were 16. Dandjinou, 5. Ndlela, 25. Sibanyoni, 28. Thwala, 35. Matima, 9. Makhubu, 45. Mngonyama and 38. Mahlangu.

Orlando Pirates selected 24. Chaine, 36. Sebelebele, 6. Seema, 37. Zulu, 3. Ndaba, 29. Mthiyane, 33. Mokobodi, 46. Dansin, 11. Moremi, 23. Lungu and 25. Radiopane.

The Pirates substitutes were 32. Dladla, 27. Xoki, 19. Rapoo, 7. Hotto, 20. Selepe, 48. Masilela, 38. Padime, 12. Appollis and 9. Mbuthuma.