Orlando Pirates win to overtake Kaizer Chiefs and go level with Sundowns

Orlando Pirates kept their Betway Premiership title push firmly on track after securing a 2–0 victory over Magesi at the newly renamed Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, their first win at their revamped home ground in 2026.

In front of a sold-out Soweto crowd, the Buccaneers climbed above rivals Kaizer Chiefs and drew level on points with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while still holding a game in hand.

Relebohile Mofokeng delivered a standout performance, contributing a goal and an assist, while January signings Andre de Jong and Daniel Msendami both made their Pirates debuts from the bench after joining from Stellenbosch and Marumo Gallants respectively.

Meanwhile, Magesi’s struggles deepened. The Limpopo side remained bottom of the table after extending their winless run to six matches in all competitions. Head coach John Maduka was also absent from the touchline, with assistant Abram Nteo taking charge, an absence that adds to speculation around Maduka’s future after just three wins in 16 matches.

Buccaneers take early control

Pirates came out firing from kick-off, with Mofokeng nearly picking out Oswin Appollis in the opening seconds. The early pressure continued, and Appollis soon set up Tshepang Moremi, who fired over from close range.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the ninth minute. Mofokeng burst into the box and cut the ball back for Yanela Mbuthuma, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner.

Appollis created another chance in the 25th minute, teeing up Mbuthuma again, but goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze produced a strong save to deny the forward.

Mofokeng doubled Pirates’ lead in the 41st minute with a composed strike from the edge of the box, finding the bottom-left corner. Moments later, Moremi twice came close to making it 3–0, but Chipezeze stood firm to keep Magesi in the game.

Second-half dominance without reward

Moremi continued to torment Magesi’s defence after the break, forcing another save from Chipezeze before setting up Mbuthuma, whose header drifted wide.

Appollis had several chances to extend the lead, most notably in the 56th and 63rd minutes, but the Pirates attacker was repeatedly denied by the busy Magesi goalkeeper.

The Buccaneers missed a golden opportunity for a third in the 66th minute when debutant Andre de Jong failed to convert from close range. Masindi Nemtajela then sent the rebound wide in a moment of disbelief for the home crowd.

Substitute Kamogelo Sebelebele also had a chance to put the game to bed, but once again Chipezeze kept the score respectable for the visitors.

In stoppage time, Pirates created two final chances. Nemtajela was dispossessed in a dangerous position before De Jong narrowly missed converting a teasing ball across goal from Sebelebele.

What’s next?

Pirates continue their chase for top spot when they travel to face AmaZulu at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Tuesday.

Magesi shift their focus to the Nedbank Cup, where they face Motsepe Foundation Championship side Upington City in the Round of 32 on Saturday.

Orlando Pirates XI: S. Chaine, N. Ndaba, N. Sibisi, L. Seema, D. van Rooyen (K. Sebelebele 46’), T. Mbatha (M. Nemtajela 64’), M. Makhaula, R. Mofokeng, T. Moremi (D. Msendami 76’), O. Appollis (P. Maswanganyi 76’), Y. Mbuthuma (A. de Jong 64’)

Magesi XI: E. Chipezeze, J. Mokone, M. Matima (E. Chirambadare 68’), L. Mokone, T. Makgoga, T. Mashigo (D. Mofokeng 68’), T. Masegela (S. Darpoh 46’), L. Mtshali (L. Mashiane 46’), K. Mosadi, N. Raphadu, M. Vandala (S. Magaqa 68’)