Orlando Pirates strengthened their position at the top of the Betway Premiership standings after recording a convincing 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The victory was the Buccaneers’ second win over Babina Noko in the space of just three days, following their 1-0 away triumph in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
Pirates, who had already shown their determination to maintain their strong start to the 2026/27 campaign, once again found a way past a stubborn Sekhukhune side.
The Soweto giants broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Boitumelo Radiopane found the back of the net to give Pirates a 1-0 lead going into the half-time break.
Sekhukhune tried to respond after the interval, but Pirates remained in control and eventually doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute through Oswin Appollis.
Appollis’ goal effectively put the result beyond Sekhukhune’s reach as Pirates held on to claim another important three points.
The result also gives the Buccaneers an early advantage in the league title race.
Pirates now have 10 points from four matches, moving three points clear at the summit. Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are second and third respectively on seven points each.
The result is particularly impressive given the demanding schedule facing the two teams. Pirates and Sekhukhune will meet again next weekend in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final, with the Buccaneers carrying a 1-0 advantage from Saturday’s first leg.
For Pirates, however, the immediate priority was the league, and they achieved their objective by collecting maximum points while keeping a clean sheet.
Other Betway Premiership results
Three other league matches were also played on Tuesday night:
• Kruger United 0-2 Durban City
• Marumo Gallants 2-3 TS Galaxy
• Siwelele FC 1-1 Chippa United
The remaining Matchday 4 fixtures involving Mamelodi Sundowns vs AmaZulu, Golden Arrows vs Stellenbosch, Polokwane City vs Milford FC and Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs are scheduled for Wednesday, August 26.
Pirates therefore end Tuesday night firmly at the top of the Premiership table, three points ahead of their closest rivals as the early title race begins to take shape.