Orlando Pirates move to top of Betway Premiership with 2-0 Durban City win
Orlando Pirates leap to the top of the Betway Premiership with a 2-0 win over Durban City, led by Relebohile Mofokeng’s man-of-the-match performance and key assists.
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Orlando Pirates have taken the top spot in the Betway Premiership after a 2-0 victory against Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, moving three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Both teams have played 12 matches this season, with Pirates now on 28 points and Sundowns on 25.
The Buccaneers’ win was highlighted by a standout performance from winger Relebohile Mofokeng, who earned his first man-of-the-match award this season. Mofokeng’s skilful play set up Evidence Makgopa’s opening goal in the 22nd minute, cutting in from the left before sending a precise cross that Makgopa converted past City goalkeeper Darren Keet.
“ I’ve been doing it since training, I try to enjoy football, so yeah I think we just keep on going,” Mofokeng said after the match.
Pirates maintained control throughout, absorbing some pressure from Durban City while creating further chances. Patrick Maswanganyi added the second goal in the 76th minute, finishing off a move set up by substitute Oswin Appollis.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made an early second-half change, bringing on Makhehleni Makhaula for Masindi Nemtaja, which helped the team handle City’s midfield threats.
The game was briefly paused when Joslin Kamatuka was struck in the face by the ball and required medical attention, but play resumed without incident.
This victory marks Pirates’ ninth league win of the season and their first time leading the Betway Premiership standings. After a challenging start that included two early defeats, they have gone unbeaten in their last 10 PSL matches. With the CAF Champions League no longer part of their schedule, Pirates can now focus entirely on domestic success.
The result also provides a timely morale boost ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants. Mofokeng, whose creativity and pace were central to the win, is expected to be among the nine or 10 Pirates players considered for Bafana Bafana’s final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.