Orlando Pirates claimed their first Betway Premiership victory under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, edging Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday night.
The home side started with intensity, pressing for an early goal. Oswin Appollis came close in the third minute, hitting the post after a well-timed pass from Relebohile Mofokeng. Stellenbosch struggled to establish a rhythm, with Devin Titus missing a counter-attack opportunity by sending his shot over the crossbar.
Pirates took the lead in the 15th minute when Kamogelo Sebelebele struck from distance, marking his second goal for the club after scoring against Sundowns last weekend. The team made an early change in the 20th minute when right-back Deano van Rooyen was injured; Sipho Mbule replaced him, and Sebelebele moved to cover the defensive position.
Pirates dominated possession and limited Stellenbosch’s attacking chances. Sihle Nduli and Evidence Makgopa both came close to extending the lead, but goalkeeper Sage Stephens kept the visitors in the game. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of the Soweto side.
The second half saw Pirates push for a second goal. Lebone Seema set up Deon Hotto in the 56th minute, but he missed a one-on-one chance. Stellenbosch made four substitutions—Thato Khiba, Andre De Jong, Langelihle Phili, and Khomotjo Lekoloane—to attempt a comeback, while Pirates rotated in Kabelo Dlamini and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
The visitors increased pressure in the latter stages, with Lekoloane testing goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and Khomotjo Lekoloane firing a powerful shot that was comfortably saved. Pirates’ defence held firm, and the team managed to maintain the 1-0 lead until the final whistle.
The win moved Pirates out of the relegation-threatened positions and within a point of the top eight, ending a four-match winless streak in league action.
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