Radiopane inspires Orlando Pirates to extend Betway Premiership lead

Orlando Pirates moved three points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership with a convincing 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United, as Boitumelo Radiopane marked his first start of the season with a goal and an assist.

The win gave Pirates consecutive victories against Sekhukhune, having beaten the same opponents 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier this weekend.

While Deon Hotto scored in that meeting, Radiopane took centre stage at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The forward broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark, producing an impressive finish from an acute angle to send the home supporters at eSgodini into celebration.

Radiopane then provided the decisive contribution after the interval. He raced clear towards goal before placing the ball into the path of Oswin Appollis, who finished into an empty net to double the Buccaneers’ advantage.

Sekhukhune created a couple of half-chances but were unable to turn them into a sustained threat. They lacked invention in the final third, with the club understood to be searching for a new playmaker before the transfer window closes.

The result takes Pirates to 10 points from their opening four matches. They have won three games and drawn one as they begin their bid to establish themselves at the top of the table and defend their title in the 2026/27 season.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will also have been encouraged by Radiopane’s performance and his return to the scoresheet. The youngster’s contribution comes at a useful time for Pirates, following the recent struggles of Yanela Mbuthuma.

Despite the league result, the rivalry between these two sides is not over for the week. Pirates and Sekhukhune will meet again at the same venue on Saturday in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final.

The winner of that tie will reach the final, where they will face either Golden Arrows or Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates’ latest success strengthens their early position in the Betway Premiership and gives them another positive result against Sekhukhune before Saturday’s cup decider. Radiopane’s influence was the key difference on this occasion, with his opening goal and assist helping the Buccaneers maintain their perfect run against these opponents across the two recent matches.