Orlando Pirates put up an impressive second-half showing to claim a 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Durban City FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday night.
After a goalless first-half, the Buccaneers turned on the style in the second period. Lebone Seema opened the scoring in the 58th minute before Tshepang Moremi grabbed the cushion goal in the 69th minute.
After claiming maximum points, the Buccaneers now have four points fewer than leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their title defence is on course, with two games in hand.
FARPost goes through some of the games’ talking points.
MBUTHUMA AND POGGENPOEL STRUGGLE TO JUSTIFY MOSIMANE’S DECISIONS
Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma and Durban City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel were surprise inclusions in Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
Mbuthuma’s selection came amid criticism from Pirates fans for missing scoring chances. On an evening when he had the chance to silence his critics, he struggled in front of goal.
Poggenpoel wore the Durban City armband but had a quiet game. Although nothing bad can be said about his performance, he did nothing that deserved special mention. His lack of impact sparked questions about his national team call-up.
MOREMI SENDS MESSAGE TO MOSIMANE
Moremi was a surprise omission from the Bafana squad. Mosimane might argue that the winger was recently injured, but that will not hold water.
Moremi coolly connected a Simphiwe Masilela pass to make it 2-0 for the Buccaneers in what looked like a statement goal. The message was clear that he still deserves to be in the national side.
SEEMA DEVELOPING A TASTE FOR GOALS
The centre-back has become an unlikely source of goals for the Buccaneers. He rose highest to head in a delivery from Kabelo Kgositsile, breaking the deadlock and thrusting Pirates into the lead. It was his second goal in six Betway Premiership games this season. The former TS Galaxy defender has also supplied two assists in this league campaign.
SIRINO PAST HIS SELL-BY DATE
From a player who used to be a menace to defenders at Mamelodi Sundowns, before struggling to reclaim his form at Kaizer Chiefs, Sirino is finding it very difficult at Durban City. The 35-year-old struggled to offer any creativity or take on Pirates defenders, leading to his substitution at halftime for Samkelo Maseko.
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