Orlando Pirates’ Betway Premiership title defence began on a positive note following a 2-0 victory over league newboys Milford FC at a packed Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Saturday afternoon.
Oswin Appollis’ 24th-minute strike and Tshepang Moremi’s late goal handed the Buccaneers maximum points. Although the Soweto giants were not too impressive in attack, the victory could serve as a statement about their intentions to defend the league title.
It was a rude awakening for Milford who looked promising in the early stages but lost steam along the way.
Beginning life without last season’s star player Relebohile Mofokeng, Pirates still had a familiar line-up made up of last season’s regulars except midfielder Cemran Dansin. No new signings made the starting XI, while Evidence Makgopa was missing from the matchday squad. Dr Xanti Pupuma was in charge of a Milford side composed of low-key signings.
The visitors from Richards Bay tested Sipho Chaine with Khanyisani Radebe’s strike, which forced the Pirates goalkeeper to dive to save after 14 minutes. Shortly after, Chaine was again called to action but this time denied Cebolenkosi Mthethwa, who had profited from Nkosinathi Sibisi’s poor clearance.
OSWIN APPOLLIS SCORES THE FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026/27 BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SEASON
While Milford had more shots at goal than Pirates in the early stages, the hosts, however, were the first to find a breakthrough when Appollis’ freekick was deflected into the net by Vusumuzi Mthabela in the 24th minute.
It was the first goal of the season across the league, and he celebrated by signalling shirt number 23 in a tribute to his late friend Jayden Adams, who passed away in July.
Just after the halftime break, the Soweto giants almost doubled their lead, but Mthabela was back to deflect Thalente Mbatha’s shot, which this time narrowly went wide. Deon Hotto then came close to scoring, but Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza was alert to avert danger with his legs.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou then threw in Kabelo Kgosietsile, who returned from a loan spell at Baroka FC, Simphiwe Masilela, who was promoted from the reserve side, as well as new signings Neo Rapoo and Gamphani Lungu.
With five minutes remaining on the clock, Lebone Seema picked up Moremi, who rounded Hleza to hand the Soweto giants a cushion lead.
AMAZULU EDGE STELLENBOSCH AS CHIPPA UNITED AND GOLDEN ARROWS FIRE BLANKS
Meanwhile, at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, AmaZulu FC kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win over visiting Stellenbosch FC. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya’s 59th-minute penalty conversion separated the two teams and handed Usuthu maximum points at home.
It was a slow start for Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch, who will now be seeking to pick themselves up in their next match against Polokwane City FC away from home.
Elsewhere at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Chippa United held Golden Arrows 0-0. It was a share of the spoils Chippa would welcome on the road in starting a season they would want to improve from last term, where they were relegation candidates for the better part of the campaign.
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