Orlando Pirates secured a vital victory by defeating Durban City 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. This win propelled the Buccaneers to the top of the Betway Premiership standings. They currently lead by three points over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, with both teams having played 12 matches this season.
Match Overview
The victory marked Orlando Pirates’ 10th consecutive league match without a defeat. With the festive season approaching, this was their final Premiership fixture of 2025. Initially, Durban City put pressure on the Pirates. However, the Buccaneers remained resolute despite several dangerous set pieces.
Key Moments in the Match
- Durban City had their best chance early in the game when Mfanafuthi Mkhize connected with a corner, but missed the target.
- Orlando Pirates struggled to find their rhythm for the first 20 minutes but eventually took the lead.
- Nkosikhona Ndaba combined effectively with Relebohile Mofokeng. Mofokeng then set up Evidence Makgopa, who scored his second league goal of the week.
Durban City attempted to respond, with Bokang Mokwena having a chance to score. Unfortunately, his shot went off-target. The first half ended with Pirates holding onto their slim lead.
Second Half Highlights
The second half began with Pirates having the wind at their backs, allowing them to push forward. Tshepang Moremi came close to increasing the lead, but his volley was saved by goalkeeper Darren Keet.
Substitute Oswin Appollis nearly put the Buccaneers up by two, but his shot narrowly missed the goal. Shortly after, a brilliant team play led to Patrick Maswanganyi scoring, extending the lead to 2-0.
Final Minutes and Conclusion
- In the closing minutes, Durban City attempted to fight back, with Kyle Jurgens delivering a threatening low shot that was saved by Sipho Chaine.
- Orlando Pirates had a chance to extend their lead further, with Mofokeng’s shot on goal being saved by Keet.
- Later, Yanela Mbuthuma missed a close-range opportunity.
Durban City finished the match with ten players after Siphamandla Ncanana received a second yellow card. Despite the numerical advantage, the Buccaneers held on for the win. This victory highlighted their strong away performance and solidified their position at the top of the standings, marking their ninth league win this season.
Lineup for Orlando Pirates
| Player Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Chaine | Goalkeeper |
| Sibisi | Defender |
| Mbokazi | Defender |
| Lebitso (Van Rooyen 88’) | Defender |
| Ndaba | Midfielder |
| Mbatha | Midfielder |
| Nemtajela (Makhaula 46’) | Midfielder |
| Maswanganyi (Dlamini 78’) | Forward |
| Mofokeng | Forward |
| Moremi (Appollis 65’) | Forward |
| Makgopa (Mbuthuma 65’) | Forward |
