Sometimes in football, it’s not about flashy goals or dominating performances—it’s about digging deep and getting the job done.
That’s exactly what Orlando Pirates managed on Tuesday night at Orlando Stadium, edging out Orbit College with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the Betway Premiership.
The result may not have been the most spectacular, but it was an important three points that pushed the Soweto giants up into seventh place, a welcome boost before the September FIFA international break.
Keeping the Momentum After Cup Success
Coming back into league action after a morale-boosting cup win over the weekend, Pirates were eager to carry that momentum into their midweek clash. But it wasn’t smooth sailing.
Orbit College, new to the top flight, made life difficult for the home side by breaking up attacks and frustrating their rhythm.
Missed Chances in the First Half
Pirates had most of the possession early on, but clear-cut chances were scarce.
The best opportunity came in the seventh minute when Patrick Maswanganyi latched onto a clever chip from Deon Hotto, only to fire straight at goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane.
Hotto tried his luck again later in the half from distance, but his effort flew well wide.
To make matters worse, a defensive lapse almost cost Pirates just before the break when Siyabulela Mabele pounced on a stray ball, forcing goalkeeper Sipho Chaine into a sharp save.
Second Half Sparks Into Life
The tempo lifted after the interval, with both sides pushing harder.
Former Pirates Academy player Ikaneng Ramosala tested Chaine, but the keeper stood firm.
Soon after, defender Lebone Seema nearly scored with a header that drifted across goal, before stepping up with the decisive moment of the night.
A Stunning Strike Breaks the Deadlock
In the 56th minute, Seema found himself in the right place at the right time.
After Kamogelo Sebelebele’s cutback was deflected, the centre-back struck a sweet volley from outside the box that left Moerane with no chance.
It was his first goal for the Buccaneers—and what a way to open his account.
Holding On Under Pressure
Pirates pushed for a second, with substitute Sipho Mbule going close from distance and Tshegofatso Mabasa denied inside the area.
On the other end, Chaine had to stay alert, pulling off another big save to deny Mabele.
As the clock ticked down, chances kept coming.
Tshepang Moremi and Sebelebele both saw efforts blocked, while Thalente Mbatha nearly doubled the lead late on, only to see his strike brush the upright.
Another Gritty Home Victory
In the end, Seema’s goal was enough to seal the win, giving Pirates back-to-back home victories in the league.
It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective—and those are the kinds of results that can shape a season.
Pirates Starting XI
Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Shandu, Hotto (Hotto 46’), Nduli (Mbatha 46’), Mariko (Mbule 46’), Maswanganyi, Sebelebele, Appollis (Moremi 67’), Mabasa (Makgopa 78’).
What’s Next for Pirates?
The Buccaneers have shown resilience in their last two league outings, but questions remain: can they turn these gritty wins into a consistent title challenge?
What do you think—are Orlando Pirates genuine contenders this season, or will inconsistency hold them back?
