Orlando Pirates secured their first Betway Premiership win under Abdeslam Ouaddou, beating Stellenbosch FC 1-0 thanks to Kamogelo Sebelebele’s strike at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday night.
The hosts began the game at a fast pace, showing their clear intent to score an early goal. Their aggressive start nearly produced a result when Oswin Appollis hit the post in the third minute, narrowly missing the chance to put his team ahead.
Stellies, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm and create meaningful scoring opportunities.
While making efforts to build momentum, they managed a notable chance, a counter-attack that saw Devin Titus’s shot sail over the crossbar.
SEBELEBELE SCORING HIS SECOND GOAL IN PIRATES COLOURS
The Buccaneers took the lead in the 15th minute when Kamogelo Sebelebele unleashed a thunderous long-range shot that found the back of the net. This was his second goal at Pirates after opening his account against Sundowns this past weekend.
In the 20th minute, Pirates were forced to make an early substitution when right-back Deano van Rooyen went down with an injury. Sipho Mbule was brought on to replace him, and Kamogelo Sebelebele was moved from his attacking position to fill the right-back role.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani maintained their high pressure, constantly pushing for a second goal and asserting their dominance. Their relentless play denied the Cape Winelands side any space to build an attack. The match reached the interval with a 1-0 scoreline to Pirates on the board.
In the 56th minute, a beautiful long pass from Lebone Seema set up Deon Hotto with a perfect opportunity to score, but he failed to convert the one-on-one chance against the goalkeeper, missing out on extending their lead.
STELLIES’ FOUR CHANGES THAT IMPACTED THE GAME
In an attempt to change the course of the match, Stellies made four substitutions. Thato Khiba, Andre De Jong, Langelihle Phili, and Khomotjo Lekoloane were brought on to replace Chumani Butsaka, Lehlohonolo Mojela, Devin Titus, and Lesiba Nku.
Meanwhile, Pirates made two substitutions, taking off Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, bringing on Kabelo Dlamini and Tshegofatso Mabasa to freshen up their attack.
The visitors began to pose a serious threat to the Soweto giants. With a lot of forward movement, they started to make frequent entries into the box as they desperately searched for an equaliser. Chaine was tested by a thumping shot from Lekoloane, but the Bafana Bafana goalie was up to the challenge, pulling off an important save.
Ouddou’s troops held on until the final whistle, claiming their first maximum points this season.
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