Orlando Pirates made the perfect start to their 2026/27 Betway Premiership title defence with a convincing 2-0 victory over league newcomers Milford at a sold-out Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The Buccaneers delivered a professional performance in front of their home supporters, scoring once in each half to collect all three points and temporarily move to the top of the league standings after the opening round of fixtures.
After months of anticipation, competitive football returned, and Pirates immediately took control of proceedings. The hosts dominated possession from the opening whistle, pinning Milford deep inside their own half. However, despite enjoying plenty of the ball, clear-cut chances were limited during the early stages.
Milford showed they were not intimidated by the defending champions, forcing Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine into action. Chaine produced a smart low save before reacting brilliantly to keep out a long-range strike from Cebolenkosi Mthethwa in the 20th minute.
Pirates eventually broke the deadlock after striker Yanela Mbuthuma won a free-kick just outside the visitors’ penalty area. Oswin Appollis stepped up and curled a right-footed effort that took a fortunate deflection, wrong-footing goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza before finding the back of the net to hand the Buccaneers a deserved 1-0 lead.
Milford attempted to respond quickly but struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Pirates continued to threaten before halftime, with Deon Hotto coming close from a set-piece that drifted narrowly wide of the target.
The Buccaneers resumed the second half in control but initially found it difficult to create clear openings. Thalente Mbatha came closest before the hour mark, only to see his effort deflected safely into Hleza’s hands.
As the match entered its closing stages, Pirates continued to pile on the pressure. Hleza denied Tshepang Moremi in the 79th minute, but the winger would not be denied for long.
With just five minutes remaining, Moremi timed his run perfectly, raced through on goal, rounded Hleza with composure and slotted home Pirates’ second goal to seal the victory.
Milford threatened late on through substitute Sicelo Masilela, whose dangerous ball flashed across the face of goal, while Boitumelo Radiopane tested his luck from long range at the opposite end but failed to hit the target.
With very few stoppages throughout the contest, there was little added time, allowing Orlando Pirates to comfortably see out the match and begin their league title defence with an impressive three-point haul.
Goals
- Oswin AppollisΒ (Free-kick) β 1-0
- Tshepang MoremiΒ β 2-0
The result gives Orlando Pirates an ideal start to the new Betway Premiership season, while Milford will take valuable lessons from their top-flight debut as they look to bounce back in the coming fixtures.
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