Orlando Pirates bounce back with Premier Soccer League victory over Polokwane City ahead of must-win FC Saint Eloi Lupopo clash in CAF Champions League

Orlando Pirates dominated the opening exchanges, with Tshepang Moremi setting the tone early by netting his second league goal of the season, beating Polokwane City goalkeeper Brian Bwire with a composed finish. The Soweto giants controlled possession throughout the first half, with Masindi Nemtajela nearly doubling the lead on 20 minutes after his long-range effort deflected just wide of the upright.  

Rise and Shine struggled to find rhythm and had to wait until the 35th minute for their first real chance, as Bonginkosi Dlamini broke through on goal only to be denied by Sipho Chaine, who charged off his line to make a crucial save. Pirates went into the halftime break with a deserved 1-0 lead, looking sharp and determined to bounce back from their CAF Champions League setback.

The Sea Robbers picked up where they left off after the break, maintaining their attacking momentum and pinning Polokwane deep in their own half. Evidence Makgopa came agonisingly close to doubling the lead, rattling the upright.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side kept pushing, with substitute Yanela Mbuthuma nearly making an instant impact but his effort drifted just wide. Rise and Shine had brief moments of promise, but couldn’t find the spark to unlock Pirates’ defence. By the final whistle, the Buccaneers held firm to seal a 1-0 victory and claim all three points.  

Sihle Nduli delivered a standout performance in midfield, anchoring the Buccaneers with composure and control. His relentless ball-winning ability broke up Polokwane's rhythm time and again, while his sharp distribution and intelligent rotation of possession kept Pirates ticking.  

Calm under pressure and always available for the next pass, Nduli was the engine that drove the team forward.  

Polokwane City’s backline struggled to contain Pirates’ movement, often failing to track runners and leaving dangerous gaps in key areas. The visitors looked far from their usual composed selves and the Buccaneers wasted no time exploiting the defensive lapses with probing attacks and clever positioning.