Pirates surge to third as Ouaddou settles and Moremi makes his mark

Orlando Pirates have bumped their way up the Betway Premiership table, and their latest victory has given supporters fresh belief in the team’s momentum.

The Buccaneers beat TS Galaxy 2-0 at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, extending their league winning streak to five matches and rocketing them from eighth to third in the standings. 

In the process, they both ended Galaxy’s five-match unbeaten run and tightened their grip near the top of the log. They currently have two games in hand over second-placed Sekhukune United, and three in hand over the top team, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Routine but effective win

Evidence Makgopa opened the scoring midway through the first half, converting a penalty after Masindi Nemtajela was brought down in the box. It was Makgopa’s first league goal of the campaign to go with three assists, underlining his growing contribution.

Chances continued to come Pirates’ way, with Tshepang Moremi and Mike Sebelebele both threatening, while Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine remained largely untroubled at the other end.

A one-goal lead is never really much of a cushion, as the threat of a later equaliser is always there, but the game was finally sealed deep into stoppage time. Deon Hotto combined with Relebohile Mofokeng on the left and set up substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa, who headed home his 50th goal in all competitions for Pirates.

The result keeps confidence high heading into Saturday’s Telkom Knockout tie against Siwelele FC.

Ouaddou steadied the ship

When Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou took charge in June, many doubted his ability to handle the Soweto giants. Early results did not help — two league defeats at the start of August sparked calls for his dismissal. But now that seems premature.

Since then, Ouaddou has guided Pirates to seven straight wins across all competitions, including retention of the MTN8 title. His team now looks balanced across defence, midfield and attack, with new arrivals adding depth in key positions.

The Buccaneers’ record under Jose Riveiro set a high bar, but fans are starting to see signs that Ouaddou may even rise above the former, beloved coach.

Moremi’s breakthrough

Among the players making the most of this turnaround is winger Tshepang Moremi. After months as a fringe figure, the 24-year-old has begun to carve out a place in the side.

Moremi had already announced himself with a brace off the bench in the MTN8 final. Given a starting berth against TS Galaxy, he struck the upright early on and remained a lively presence down the left flank.

With competition for wide berths from the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Mike Sebelebele, and Oswin Appollis, Moremi’s form offers Pirates another valuable option.

As race director, Thato Sethlolo said of a different stage, but words that resonate here: “We are giving our athletes a chance to qualify.” For Pirates, opportunities like this can reshape careers.

Squad depth brings belief

The current surge reflects not only good form from Makgopa and Mabasa but also the contributions of young defenders Lebone Seema and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have made it difficult for experienced campaigners to reclaim starting spots.

For Ouaddou, the squad’s depth is fast becoming his biggest weapon. With the Premiership title race heating up and knockout football still ahead, Pirates appear well placed to chase silverware on multiple fronts this season.