Lebone Seema’s stunning strike secures Orlando Pirates’ second Premier Soccer Legaue win as Buccaneers overcome Orbit College

Orlando Pirates looked to stamp their authority early on, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Orbit, however, refused to be intimidated and they tested the Buccaneers with a few adventurous breaks into the final third during the opening stages. 

The pattern of the game soon became clear - Pirates probing but struggling to find a way through a compact and disciplined Orbit backline. Crosses and passes into dangerous areas were repeatedly cut out, leaving goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane with little work to do in the first half.

Just before the break, Orbit almost capitalised on a costly error when Siyabulela Mabele intercepted a loose pass from Sipho Chaine outside the box. Fortunately for Pirates, the keeper reacted quickly to recover and avert disaster, ensuring the teams went into the interval still locked at 0-0.

At the restart, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou rang the changes, introducing Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, and Nkosikhona Ndaba. The fresh legs were meant to spark momentum, but the Buccaneers endured a nervy opening spell, with Orbit pressing forward and keeping the Pirates defence under constant pressure. 

However, in the 55th minute, Lebone Seema unleashed a sensational long-range strike to break the deadlock and give Pirates the lead. The action remained intense, with Orbit probing inside the Buccaneers’ box, while the Sea Robbers threatened at the other end with a few promising chances. In the end, Seema’s strike proved the difference as the hosts earned a 1-0 victory and their second PSL win.

Credit must go to Seema, who has shown composure on the ball for Pirates and demonstrated he’s more than just a defender - his brilliant strike into the back of the net provided the team with a vital lift. 

While Orbit put up a fight against Pirates, there were worrying signs in their attack, with players at times opting for selfish attempts rather than passing to teammates in better scoring positions.

The Buccaneers now turn their attention to their next PSL outing, travelling to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to face Chippa United on Sunday, 31 August.