Orlando Pirates continued their relentless march toward the Betway Premiership title last night, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Polokwane City at a rain-soaked Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Coming off the back of a commanding Soweto Derby win over Kaizer Chiefs, the Buccaneers proved they have the stomach for a midweek “grind,” reclaiming their spot at the top of the table in dramatic fashion.
A tale of two halves
The opening 45 minutes were defined by the bucketing rain and the heroics of Polokwane City goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula. Despite Pirates dominating possession, Mathebula produced several world-class saves to deny Evidence Makgopa and the creative Oswin Oppollis. The Buccaneers' frustration grew as they failed to turn their “one-way traffic” dominance into a lead before the break.
The deadlock finally snapped in the 53rd minute. Following a period of sustained pressure, the young sensation Relebohile Mofokeng pounced on a loose ball in the area, unusually using his head to nod the ball over Mathebula and give the visitors a well-deserved lead.
Heartbreak and redemption
As the clock ticked toward the final whistle, the game took a chaotic turn:
- 86th Minute: Just as the Ghost was preparing to celebrate, Polokwane City's Bonginkosi Dlamini capitalised on a defensive lapse to volley home an equaliser, momentarily stunning the traveling fans.
- 90th Minute: With the match seemingly heading for a draw, substitute Patrick Maswanganyi became the hero. Found unmarked by a pin-point Deon Hotto cross, Maswanganyi side-footed the ball home to seal the three points and ignite wild celebrations on the Pirates bench.
What this means for the title race
The victory ensures that Abdeslam Ouaddou's men remain neck-and-neck with Mamelodi Sundowns at the summit of the Premiership. By showing they can win “ugly” in difficult away conditions, the Buccaneers have sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they are no longer just entertainer — they are contenders.