Orlando Pirates maintain title hunt after getting better of Sekhukhune United

By SABC Sport
5th February 2025

Orlando Pirates stayed in contention for the Betway Premiership title with a 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Deon Hotto and Makhehlene Makhaula scored early in each half to secure back-to-back victories for Jose Riveiro's team, although a goal from Linda Mntambo on 77 minutes prevented them from keeping a clean sheet.

The Buccaneers remain six points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in second place, with a game in hand, while Sekhukhune United hold firm in fourth, five points behind Polokwane City.

Lehlohonolo Seema's team was aiming for their first win in three matches after drawing 1-1 with Stellenbosch, while Pirates looked to build on their 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the first Soweto derby of the season.

The visitors made a strong start, with Hotto opening the scoring from a free-kick in the fifth minute, following a strong challenge on Patrick Maswanganyi just outside the box.

Pirates threatened again shortly after, as Relebohile Mofokeng latched onto a pass from the right, testing goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare with a shot in the 12th minute.

Maswanganyi then had an opportunity to extend the lead in the 22nd minute, but his volley from Hotto's cutback pass went wide. Sipho Mbule followed with a wasted free-kick that sailed over the crossbar.

Keletso Makgalwa attempted a long-range effort in the 33rd minute after cutting inside, but Sipho Chaine was positioned well to make an easy save.

With the score at 1-0 at halftime, Pirates were back on the scoreboard soon after the break when Makhaula capitalized on poor defending by the hosts to score from Hotto's cross in the 47th minute.

Maswanganyi missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-0 in the 54th minute, dragging a shot wide after a loose ball fell to him inside the box.

Sekhukhune's Evidence Makgopa had a good chance in the 68th minute, shaking off his defender and forcing Sangare into a save from the right. The hosts gave themselves a lifeline in the 77th minute when Mntambo pulled one back.

Mofokeng nearly restored Pirates' two-goal lead in the 82nd minute with a low shot, but Sangare made a brilliant save. Chaine then stepped up with two key saves in quick succession to keep Sekhukhune from finding an equalizer.