Pirates Sink Magesi 2–0
Johannesburg, Gauteng – A dominant Orlando Pirates side kicked off the new year with a convincing 2-0 victory over struggling Magesi FC at the freshly rebranded Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Saturday, 31 January 2026, propelling them back into second place in the Betway Premiership. Young stars Yanela Mbuthuma and Relebohile Mofokeng shone brightly, scoring the goals that sealed the win and drew the Buccaneers level on 32 points with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The match, played in front of a passionate home crowd, marked Pirates’ first triumph of 2026 and highlighted their title ambitions in a tightly contested season where every point counts for the chase at the top.
A Strong Start Sets the Tone at the Amstel Arena
The game unfolded at the iconic Orlando Stadium, now sporting its new name thanks to a sponsorship deal with Amstel, adding a fresh vibe to the historic venue. Pirates, coming off a mixed run that saw them drop points in recent fixtures, needed this win to stay in the hunt for the title. Coach Jose Riveiro made tactical tweaks, starting with a lineup that blended experience and youth: Sipho Chaine in goal, backed by a solid defence of Nkosinathi Sibisi, Nkosinathi Ndaba, and others like Thabiso Lebitso. Up front, the attacking trio of Mbuthuma, Mofokeng, and Oswin Appollis promised flair and firepower.
Magesi, the newcomers to the top flight after promotion last season, arrived in Soweto sitting near the bottom of the table with just 11 points from 15 games. Under coach Clinton Larsen, they aimed to frustrate the hosts with a defensive setup, featuring goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and midfield anchors like Wonderboy Makhubu. But from the first whistle, Pirates controlled the tempo, pressing high and creating early chances that tested Magesi’s resolve. The visitors struggled to get out of their half, managing only a handful of counter-attacks that fizzled out against Pirates’ organised backline.
Key Moments: Mbuthuma and Mofokeng Steal the Show
The breakthrough came just nine minutes in, when the lively Relebohile Mofokeng whipped in a precise cutback from the left flank. Yanela Mbuthuma, the 22-year-old striker who has been turning heads with his sharp finishing, was perfectly positioned to slot the ball into the bottom left corner from close range. The goal settled any early nerves for Pirates and fired up the crowd, who chanted in support of the young talent making his mark in the Premiership.
Pirates kept pushing, with Appollis linking up well in attack. In the 25th minute, he delivered a teasing cross that Mbuthuma met with a powerful header, only for Chipezeze to pull off a stunning save to keep the deficit at one. Magesi tried to respond, but their efforts lacked punch – a long-range shot from Edmore Chirambadare sailed harmlessly over the bar, summing up their blunt attack.
As the first half wound down, Mofokeng turned from provider to scorer in the 41st minute. Combining neatly with Mbuthuma on the edge of the box, the 19-year-old sensation unleashed a well-placed strike into the bottom left corner, beating Chipezeze and doubling the lead. Dubbed the “Prince of South African Football” for his silky skills and maturity beyond his years, Mofokeng’s performance earned him the player of the match award with a stellar 9.4 rating, showcasing why he’s a key part of Pirates’ future.
The second half saw Pirates manage the game comfortably, with substitutions like Karim Kimvuidi and Evidence Makgopa adding fresh legs to maintain control. Magesi pushed for a way back, introducing attackers like Tshepo Mashilo, but they could not break through. A late chance for Pirates’ Mohau Nkota was denied by Chipezeze, but the Buccaneers held firm for a clean sheet, their defence led by captain Innocent Maela proving rock solid.
Tactical Insights and Standout Performances
Riveiro’s strategy paid off, with Pirates dominating possession at around 65% and outshooting Magesi 12-4. The coach praised the team’s patience and ability to exploit spaces, noting how the early goal opened up the game. For Magesi, Larsen admitted his side struggled with Pirates’ intensity, pointing to fatigue from a tough schedule as a factor in their eighth defeat of the season.
Beyond the scorers, players like Monnapule Saleng and Patrick Maswanganyi provided creative sparks, while the backline ensured Sipho Chaine had a quiet afternoon in goal. Magesi’s bright spots were few, but Chipezeze’s saves kept the scoreline respectable, preventing a heavier loss against a side firing on all cylinders.
This win builds on Pirates’ strong form earlier in the season, where they racked up impressive results including a 3-0 thrashing of Polokwane City and a hard-fought draw with Sundowns. For Magesi, the defeat deepens their relegation worries, as they sit just above the drop zone with a leaky defence that has conceded 20 goals so far.
League Implications: Pirates Back in the Title Race
The three points lifted Orlando Pirates to 10 wins, two draws, and two losses, matching Sundowns’ tally of 32 points from 14 games each. While Sundowns hold the edge on goal difference (+18 vs Pirates’ +15), this result puts pressure on the Brazilians ahead of their next fixtures. Pirates now sit above rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who slipped after a recent stumble, reigniting the Soweto derby rivalry as the season heats up.
With the Betway Premiership resuming after a brief festive break, this victory sets Pirates up nicely for upcoming clashes, including a potential title decider against Sundowns later in the campaign. Fans are buzzing about the young guns like Mbuthuma and Mofokeng, who represent a new generation blending with veterans to chase silverware. For Magesi, survival is the goal, and they will need to tighten up defensively to avoid a quick return to the lower leagues.
Fan Reactions and Looking Ahead
Supporters at the Amstel Arena celebrated wildly, with chants of “Once Always” echoing through the stands as the final whistle blew. Social media lit up with praise for Mofokeng’s magic and calls for more home wins in the revamped stadium. This match also spotlighted the growing sponsorship in South African football, with Toyota SA backing the league and adding to the professional feel.
As Pirates eye a strong finish, Riveiro urged focus: “We take it one game at a time, but this win shows our hunger.” For fans and neutrals alike, it’s a reminder of the excitement in Mzansi’s top flight, where underdogs like Magesi can test giants, but class often shines through. With the title race wide open, Orlando Pirates are right back in the mix, ready to sail towards glory.
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