Soweto – Orlando Pirates collected their second straight victory in the Betway Premiership with a narrow 1-0 win over newly promoted Orbit College at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
Centre-back Lebone Seema scored the only goal of the contest with a thunderous long-range strike in the 56th minute, securing three points for the Buccaneers and lifting coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side to seventh place on the table with six points from four matches.
The Soweto giants were nearly punished early on when Patrick Maswanganyi failed to convert a clear-cut chance inside six minutes, while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine almost handed Orbit a lifeline after fumbling under pressure just before half-time. Pirates struggled for rhythm in the opening stanza and went into the break locked at 0-0.
Ouaddou reshuffled his team after the interval, introducing Sipho Mbule, Nkosikhona Ndaba and Thalente Mbatha. The changes paid off as Seema found the breakthrough, giving the home fans something to celebrate after a frustrating first half.
Orbit, based in the North West, remain winless against top-flight opposition, while Pirates look to build momentum after what had been a stuttering start to their campaign.
At the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch FC grabbed their first win of the season with a 1-0 result over Marumo Gallants, courtesy of youngster Langelihle Phili.
In Richards Bay, the hosts beat struggling Chippa United, who are bottom of the standings and yet to secure a victory this term. Reports suggest Chippa are considering parting ways with coach Sinethemba Badela less than a month after his appointment.
TS Galaxy enjoyed a 2-0 success over Siwelele FC in Mbombela, with Seluleko Mahlambi netting both goals. The newly rebranded Siwelele have now gone three matches without a win.
Meanwhile, Polokwane City and Durban City ended their clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in a goalless draw. The result leaves Polokwane in ninth place, while the KwaZulu-Natal newcomers sit third on the log.
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