Orlando Pirates Edge Polokwane City 1-0
Orlando Pirates kept their hot run going with a gritty 1-0 win over Polokwane City at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday night, 23 September 2025. Oswin Appollis came off the bench to net the winner in the 80th minute, handing the Buccaneers their fourth straight league victory. This result pushes Pirates up the table, while Polokwane stay stuck in a rut with no wins in seven games. As South Africa celebrates Heritage Day, the match showed the grit and flair that make local football so loved.
The Sea Robbers now gear up for a big CAF Champions League clash against Lesotho’s Lioli FC in Soweto on Saturday. Polokwane, meanwhile, face a tough test against Marumo Gallants on Sunday, hoping to snap their slump. With the Betway Premiership heating up, Pirates look like serious title chasers, sitting just a point off third-placed Kaizer Chiefs and seven behind leaders Sekhukhune United, with a game in hand.
Tense Start with Few Clear Chances
The game kicked off with both sides probing for openings. Polokwane’s Gape Moralo tested Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine early with a sharp free-kick in the seventh minute, but Chaine held firm. Pirates hit back quick, as Deon Hotto’s long pass found Relebohile Mofokeng unmarked, only for the young star to fluff his lines against keeper Ricardo Goss.
Polokwane looked lively with balls into the box, Chibuike Ohizu heading just wide in the 15th minute. Vincent Pule also tried his luck before halftime after a slip by Lebone Seema, but Chaine saved easy. The first half ended goalless, with neither team grabbing control.
Polokwane boss Lehlohonolo Seema would have been pleased with his side’s fight, given their poor form. They’ve picked up just four points from eight matches, sitting 15th and flirting with the drop zone. Pirates, under Jose Riveiro, bossed possession at 58% but struggled to break down a stubborn defence.
Appollis the Hero in Second-Half Drama
Riveiro shook things up at the break, bringing on Oswin Appollis and Kabelo Dlamini. Appollis, fresh from Bafana Bafana duty, sparked life into Pirates’ attack. The 23-year-old winger, who joined from Polokwane last season, proved his worth with a stunning low drive in the 80th minute. Set up by fellow sub Evidence Makgopa, Appollis smashed home from outside the box for his first league goal of the campaign.
Polokwane pushed hard for a leveller, with sub Christian Saile heading straight at Chaine in the 83rd minute. Lyle Lakay also went close in added time, but Chaine’s heroics sealed the deal. Pirates ended with 11 shots to Polokwane’s 8, showing their edge in a tight scrap.
Appollis’ strike was his third goal involvement in four games, underlining his rise. The Bafana star has shone since his R10 million move, adding pace and flair to Pirates’ flanks.
Standings Shake-Up and Form Guide
The win lifts Pirates to fourth on 12 points from five games, a point behind Chiefs and with a match extra over Sekhukhune (19 points from eight). Sundowns sit second on 15 from seven, while Polokwane languish in 15th with four points, just above the bottom two.
Pirates boast the league’s best defence, conceding only twice in five outings. Their run includes wins over Richards Bay (2-1), Durban City (2-1), and Golden Arrows (2-0). Polokwane’s woes continue, with six losses and two draws, their last win back in April against Cape Town Spurs.
Seema admitted post-match his team needs to sharpen up in front of goal. “We created chances but couldn’t finish,” he said. Riveiro praised his subs: “Appollis and Makgopa changed the game. We’re building momentum.”
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