Orlando Pirates open title defence with solid win over Milford

Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates opened their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign with a solid victory over newly promoted side Milford FC.

Orlando Pirates opened their Betway Premiership title defence up with a 2-0 victory over Milford FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon thanks to strikes by Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi.

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After dominating possession early on, the Buccaneers managed to break the deadlock in the 24th minute through Appollis. His long-range free-kick took a slight deflection, leaving goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza left with no chance of stopping it.

Khanyisani Radebe came close to finding an equaliser for Milford in the 33rd minute, however, he pulled his effort just wide of goal from inside the box.

As the first half wore on, Orlando Pirates remained dominant in possession, however, they failed to create any real chances, taking their slender 1-0 lead into the break.

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After the break, Milford coach Dr. Xanti Pupuma rang the changes, hoping to inject some life into his side. The fresh legs brought some new energy to the team, however, they found it difficult to beat Sipho Chaine in the Pirates goal.

Bucs youngster Kabelo Kgositsile almost enjoyed a dream debut, but his well-struck effort was well saved by Hleza in the 79th minute.

The Buccaneers then managed to find their second goal of the day through Tshepang Moremi, who latched onto a gorgeous long ball from Lebone Seema, rounded goalkeeper Hleza, and finished into an empty net in the 85th minute.

And that’s how it ended. A solid 2-0 victory for the defending champions, while the newly promoted Milford unfortunately go back to the drawing board with some harsh lessons learnt.

Starting Lineups:

Orlando Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Sebelebele, Hotto, Dansin, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Appollis, Mbuthuma.

Subs: Dladla, Kgositsile, Masilela, Zulu, Mariko, Mthiyane, Radiopane, Lungu, Rapoo.

Milford XI: Hleza, Bhengu, Mathabela, Cele, Mdluli, Mthethwa, Mthiyane, Chili, Mabena, Zikakayo, Radebe.

Subs: Nkosi, Ngxongo, Mbhele, Siyaya, Mkhize, Nomandela, Mbunga, Jwara, Masilela.

Picture: X/@orlandopirates

 

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