Pirates’ Calm Authority Secures 2–0 Win and Top-Spot Cushion
Orlando Pirates tightened their grip at the summit of the Betway Premiership with a composed and clinical 2–0 victory over Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi ensured the Buccaneers extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches and opened a three-point lead over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
It was a controlled, business-like performance from Jose Riveiro’s men, who displayed maturity in key phases, punished Durban City’s lapses, and defended with authority to secure a third straight clean sheet.
Makgopa Strikes Again as Pirates Seize Control
Durban City started brightly and nearly stunned the visitors when Mfanafuthi Mkhize connected with a powerful header early on—but Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine reacted sharply to deny the hosts.
Once settled, the Buccaneers shifted the momentum. Relebohile Mofokeng supplied yet another moment of quality midway through the first half, floating a perfect delivery into the box. Evidence Makgopa ghosted into space and tucked home with composure, continuing his excellent scoring form with back-to-back goals.
The visitors pressed for a quick second, with Nkosikhona Ndaba stinging the side-netting from a tight angle, before a series of tough midfield exchanges punctuated the remainder of the half.
Second-Half Discipline, Decisive Finish
Pirates introduced Makhehlene Makhaula at halftime to stabilize midfield, but it was Durban City who initially pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Despite their growing intent, Gavin Hunt’s side struggled to unlock the Buccaneers’ organised backline.
As the game settled, Pirates reasserted dominance—Oswin Appollis created danger from the right-hand side, repeatedly stretching the City defence with his pace and width.
The decisive blow arrived in the 77th minute. Ndaba, Mofokeng and Appollis combined in a slick passing sequence that sliced through City’s structure. Maswanganyi arrived late and swept the ball calmly into the bottom corner to seal the points.
Durban City’s hopes of a late response vanished when captain Siphamandla Ncanana was dismissed for a professional foul on Yanela Mbuthuma, ending a difficult afternoon for the home side.
Pirates closed out the match with assurance, tightening their defensive structure and preserving the league’s best defensive record—only five goals conceded so far.
What the Result Means
The win lifts Pirates to 28 points after 13 matches, three clear of Mamelodi Sundowns. With the Carling Knockout Final approaching next weekend, and Maswanganyi now suspended due to a fourth yellow card, Riveiro faces key selection decisions ahead of the showdown with Marumo Gallants.
Durban City drop to their third defeat in five outings, remaining eighth on 19 points. Despite flashes of quality, they lacked the penetration needed to trouble a polished Pirates side.