Orlando Pirates ascended to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. This marked their second consecutive league win, further solidifying their ambitions of challenging for the title this season.

After their season-opening victory against Chippa United, the Buccaneers were keen to maintain momentum, signalling their intent not only to compete for the Premiership crown but to sustain their winning form. However, the opening stages saw both teams adopting a cautious, measured approach, with Pirates allowing Polokwane to dictate possession and control the tempo.

Despite Pirates; attempts to build play from the back and exploit the flanks, Polokwane’s compact defensive structure proved difficult to break down.

Pirates’ efforts to stretch the defence through diagonal balls and quick transitions were met with resistance, as off-target shots from Deano van Rooyen and Kabelo Dlamini left them frustrated, with the match remaining goalless at the interval.

The second half saw a tactical shift from Pirates, as they increased their pressing intensity and looked to play more directly. Their persistence was rewarded in the 55th minute when Relebohile Mofokeng delivered a well-timed through ball to Monnapule Saleng. Saleng, exploiting space behind the defence, latched onto the pass and finished with precision from a tight angle, putting Pirates 1-0 up.

In the 84th minute, head coach José Riveiro made an impactful tactical decision, introducing Evidence Makgopa to replace Tshegofatso Mabasa. The substitution immediately paid dividends, as just two minutes later, Makgopa pounced on a loose ball after Polokwane goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga could only parry a powerful shot from Karim Kimvuidi. Makgopa’s instinctive positioning and clinical finishing
made him an instant “super sub,” doubling Pirates; lead.

Polokwane’s defensive discipline collapsed further in stoppage time. A wayward back pass from Raymond Daniels was seized upon by Makgopa, who coolly slotted home his second goal, completing a brace and securing a comprehensive 3-0 win for the Sea Robbers.

Saleng’s initial breakthrough set the tone for Pirates, but he was later subbed off after signalling a possible injury concern. Nonetheless, Makgopa’s heroics from the bench injected flair and momentum, emphasising the squad depth at Riveiro’s disposal. Pirates’ ability to adapt tactically, control phases of the game, and capitalise on defensive errors has positioned them at the top of the table after just two
matches.

Beyond their domestic form, Pirates have progressed to the MTN8 final, where they will face Stellenbosch FC on the 5th of October, and have secured their place in the group stages of the CAF Champions League. Under Riveiro’s astute management, the Buccaneers appear determined to collect more silverware, with their tactical discipline and hunger for success propelling them forward as the season unfolds.