Sekhukhune Hold Orlando Pirates to Stalemate, Extend Unbeaten Run

Sekhukhune United maintained their unbeaten record against Orlando Pirates in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership after the two sides battled to a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

The Polokwane-based outfit had already stunned Pirates with a 1-0 victory in Orlando during the season opener, and once again avoided defeat in their second clash of the campaign.

The Buccaneers, despite collecting just a single point, climbed level with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the summit of the table, though they still hold a game in hand. Babina Noko, meanwhile, remain in fourth place with 26 points, trailing Kaizer Chiefs by just one after their midweek loss to Stellenbosch.

Pirates made five changes to their starting XI, introducing Deano van Rooyen, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Tshepang Moremi.

For Sekhukhune, goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner delivered a commanding performance in his seventh start, while Lehlohonolo Mojela made his debut after joining from Stellenbosch.

Pirates began searching for scoring chances early. In the 6th minute, Thalente Mbatha cut the ball back to Sebelebele, whose shot from outside the box flew over the bar.

Seema’s ball across the face of goal in the 17th minute was cleared only as far as Sebelebele, before Moremi whipped in a dangerous cross that forced Leaner off his line to punch clear.

Sekhukhune suffered a setback in the 32nd minute when Ngoanamello Rammala was forced off due to injury after a challenge with Evidence Makgopa, with Keletso Makgalwa coming on as his replacement.

The hosts felt aggrieved in the 39th minute when Bradley Grobler appeared to be brought down in the box by Makhaula, but the referee dismissed their appeals.

Pirates nearly took the lead just before halftime. A short corner found Sebelebele in space, who set up Makhaula inside the six-yard box. His close-range effort was brilliantly denied by Leaner.

Second-Half Drama

Sekhukhune threatened in the 60th minute when Makgalwa’s free kick struck Mbatha’s head, and his follow-up shot was saved by Sipho Chaine.

Abdoulaye Mariko tried his luck from distance in the 74th minute, but his effort lacked the power to trouble Leaner. Six minutes later, Leaner again came to Sekhukhune’s rescue, leaping off his line to deny Oswin Appolis. Pirates appealed for a penalty after Appolis went to ground, but the referee waved play on.

In the closing stages, Grobler missed a golden chance to hand Sekhukhune victory from Makgalwa’s free kick, failing to connect with the ball despite being unmarked. Leaner capped off his stellar performance by denying Sebelebele once more in stoppage time.

The Buccaneers pushed hard to find a winner in the dying minutes but could not turn their chances into goals. Sekhukhune held firm to secure a valuable point and extend their unbeaten run against Pirates this season.

What’s Next

Sekhukhune United return to the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday for a top-four showdown against Sundowns. Orlando Pirates will host Magesi at Orlando Stadium next Saturday, aiming to edge ahead in the title race.