Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates secured their first Betway Premiership win of the 2025/26 season with a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday, thanks to a stunning first-half strike from Kamogelo Sebelebele that proved enough to claim all three points.
In a gritty encounter that marked a turning point for the Buccaneers, Orlando Pirates finally broke their early-season league duck after two initial defeats, climbing to 11th place on the table with three points. Stellenbosch FC, still searching for their maiden win, slipped to 14th position with just one point from three matches, sitting above Chippa United and Richards Bay on goal difference. This result not only provided relief for Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou but also highlighted the growing impact of new signing Sebelebele, who has now scored in back-to-back games for his new club. The win sets up an intriguing second leg in the MTN8 semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, while Stellenbosch face Sekhukhune United in their own semi-final tie.
The match at Orlando Stadium kicked off at 19:30 SAST, with both teams eager to turn their fortunes around in the league. Pirates, coming off a 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg where Sebelebele netted a late equaliser, started brightly. In the fourth minute, Oswin Appollis struck the upright with a powerful shot, signalling the hosts’ intent early on. Stellenbosch responded in the 14th minute when a quick free kick found Devon Titus, who volleyed wide after a neat touch.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute, courtesy of Sebelebele’s moment of brilliance. Positioned on the right edge of the area, the forward unleashed a thumping effort that goalkeeper Sage Stephens got a finger to at full stretch, but could not prevent from finding the top left corner. This goal, assisted by Evidence Makgopa, was Sebelebele’s second in as many games, underlining his quick adaptation to life at Pirates after his move.
Pirates continued to press, with Siphelele Nduli testing Stephens in the 23rd minute from a similar spot, only to be denied by a smart save. The hosts suffered an early setback when Deano van Rooyen was forced off injured in the 20th minute, replaced by Sipho Mbule. Mbule nearly made an immediate impact in the 27th minute, slipping a pass from Relebohile Mofokeng but firing just off target from the edge of the box.
Stellenbosch showed fight in the 36th minute as Titus sent Lehlohonolo Mojela into the Pirates box, but Sebelebele’s defensive strength kept the danger at bay. Just before halftime, Pirates earned a free kick on the edge of the Stellenbosch box after Henri Stanic collided with Sebelebele in the air, but Deon Hotto’s effort deflected off the wall.
The second half saw Pirates maintain control. In the 50th minute, Mbule displayed neat footwork in the box before crossing, but his delivery sailed over Hotto at the far post. Two minutes later, Mbule and Mofokeng combined well in midfield, allowing the youngster to unleash a shot that rolled narrowly wide. Hotto squandered a golden opportunity in the 57th minute, receiving the ball with time and space in the box for a one-on-one with Stephens, only to scuff his shot wide.
Ouaddou made changes in the 63rd minute, bringing on Kabelo Dlamini for Thalente Mbatha and Tshegofatso Mabasa for Makgopa to freshen the attack. Stellenbosch responded with a quadruple substitution around the 60th minute: Thato Khiba for Chumani Butsaka, Kyle Lekoloane for Luvuyo Nku, Andre de Jong for Mojela, and Langelihle Phili for Titus. Phili made an instant impact in the 72nd minute, rifling a shot from the left side of the box that Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine parried to deny an equaliser.
Pirates pushed for a second in the 75th minute when Dlamini sliced through the defence with a pass to Hotto on the baseline, but his cross aimed at Mabasa was headed away by Bradley Moloisane. Despite a late push from Stellenbosch, including a brilliant solo run by de Jong in the 69th minute that was fairly halted, the visitors could not find a way back. Pirates substituted Appollis with Thabiso Moremi in the 81st minute to see out the game.
This victory was Pirates’ first clean sheet of the league season, a testament to their defensive solidity led by players like Lehlogonolo Seema and Makhehlene Mbokazi. Sebelebele was named Man of the Match for his decisive goal and all-round performance. Head-to-head statistics show Pirates have now won eight of 18 encounters against Stellenbosch since 2010, with the Maroons claiming five victories and five draws. In their last meeting in March 2025, the teams played out a 0-0 draw.
Post-match, Ouaddou expressed relief at securing the win, noting the importance of building momentum ahead of the MTN8 clash. He praised Sebelebele’s form and the team’s resilience despite early-season pressure. Barker, on the other hand, lamented his side’s inability to convert chances, pointing to their one point from three games as a concern but remaining optimistic about their MTN8 prospects, where they hold a 2-0 lead over Sekhukhune.
In the broader Betway Premiership context as of 21 August 2025, Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs top the standings with nine points each. Mamelodi Sundowns moved to third with seven points after a 2-0 win over Magesi FC, while AmaZulu climbed to sixth with a 1-0 victory against Marumo Gallants. Pirates’ win eases the scrutiny on Ouaddou, who took over amid high expectations, while Barker faces questions about Stellenbosch’s slow start following their strong showing last season.
Looking ahead, Orlando Pirates travel to Lucas Moripe Stadium for the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, with the tie locked at 1-1. A win could set up a repeat of last year’s final against Stellenbosch, who visit Peter Mokaba Stadium for their second leg against Sekhukhune. Both matches promise high stakes as the teams juggle league and cup commitments.
Lineups and Substitutions
Orlando Pirates: Sipho Chaine; Lehlogonolo Seema, Makhehlene Mbokazi, Deano van Rooyen (Sipho Mbule 20’), Deon Hotto, Siphelele Nduli, Thalente Mbatha (Kabelo Dlamini 63’), Relebohile Mofokeng, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis (Thabiso Moremi 81’), Evidence Makgopa (Tshegofatso Mabasa 63’).
Stellenbosch FC: Sage Stephens; Bradley Moloisane, Njabulo Siviwe, Henri Stanic, Olivier Mdaka; Chumani Butsaka (Thato Khiba 60’), Luvuyo Nku (Kyle Lekoloane 60’), Ismail Jabaar (Mervin Khanyi 75’), Lehlohonolo Mojela (Andre de Jong 60’), Mthobisi Mthinyani, Devon Titus (Langelihle Phili 61’).
This hard-fought win boosts Pirates’ confidence as they aim to climb the table, while Stellenbosch must regroup quickly to avoid an early-season slump in the competitive Betway Premiership.
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