Appollis, Moremi hand Orlando Pirates a perfect start against Milford

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Appollis, Moremi hand Orlando Pirates a perfect start against Milford
Oswin Appollis, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Camren Dansin: Image - Orlando Pirates

The Premier Soccer League champions Orlando Pirates started their title defense with a 2-0 win over promoted side Milford FC on Saturday at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Bucs were keen on starting the season strongly and set the pace for their competitors – notably Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, who finished second and third respectively.

In the absence of Relebohile Mofokeng who was sold to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted to keep the shape with his old-guards, to ensure their is consistency.

Appollis gets his first of the season

Pirates started the game brightly, hoping to get that early goal to destabilise their opponents with a series of attacks.

The likes of Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis had chances in the first 10 minutes, but they failed to capitalise on them. At the other end, Goalkeeper of the Year Sipho Chaine had to be alert to avoid getting beaten in the 13th minute.

In the 22nd minute, Yanela Mbuthuma won a free kick in a promising area, which gave the hosts a chance to make their attempt. Appollis rose for the occasion, but despite taking what looked like a casual free-kick, a wicked deflection saw Siphamandla Hleza collect the ball from the net.

Despite their organisation and zeal, Milford just couldn’t get an equaliser, and they went to the break trailing by a solitary goal.

Moremi seals the win

The PSL newbies started the second half as a better team, hoping to get their goal before chasing a probable winner. The Soweto giants were caught off position at times which was a concern for the technical team.

Despite their early dominance, another massive opportunity to score fell to Pirates in the 61st minute. Deon Hotto was slipped in, but goalkeeper Hleza pulled off a great save to deny him.

In the 69th minute, Milford should have equalised; Sicelo Masilela beat Kamogelo Sebelebele, but lacked composure when it mattered, and the Sea Robbers survived.

Tshepang Moremi of Orlando Pirates
Tshepang Moremi of Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Moremi, finally, made up for his missed chances with five minutes to go as he raced clear, controlled a pass from Lebone Seema, got past the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net to make it 2-0 and seal Bucs’ win.

The next outing for Pirates will be on Wednesday when they face AmaZulu in their second PSL fixture.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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  • Football Odds
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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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