Relebohile Mofokeng strikes twice as Orlando Pirates topple Mamelodi Sundowns

By SABC Sport
16th March 2025

Relebohile Mofokeng fired in a quick brace early on as Orlando Pirates claimed a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in a top-of-the-table Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The result reduces the gap between the Buccaneers and the Brazilians to 15 points, offering some hope for a potential title challenge, especially with Pirates holding four games in hand. The victory also serves as a revenge for the 4-1 defeat they endured at the hands of Sundowns just over a month ago.

Pirates got off to a sensational start, racing into a 2-0 lead within the first five minutes, courtesy of two clinical finishes from Mofokeng.

The opening goal came from a brilliant run by Evidence Makgopa down the right wing. The striker broke free from the defense and delivered a perfectly weighted square pass to Mofokeng, who made no mistake, finding the net from close range.

Just 70 seconds later, Mofokeng doubled his tally. This time, poor defending from Sundowns allowed Mofokeng to fire a shot from the edge of the penalty area. The ball struck the inside of the post and ricocheted into the net, giving Pirates a commanding early lead.

It took Sundowns a while to recover from the early setback, but they nearly halved the deficit in the 21st minute. Grant Kekana's header, following a corner kick from Teboho Mokoena, narrowly missed as it glanced off the far post.

The visitors continued to press for a goal, with Lucas Ribeiro coming close after the half-hour mark, sending a free-kick just wide of the post. A few minutes before halftime, Peter Shalulile's volley, off a cross from Iqraam Rayners, went high and wide.

At the start of the second half, Sundowns made a change, bringing Arthur Sales on for Shalulile.

Sundowns dominated possession after the break and were rewarded in the 66th minute. Rayners sent a precise cross into the box, finding Khuliso Mudau, who latched onto the ball and calmly finished past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to pull one back for Sundowns.

However, despite late pressure, Sundowns could not find an equalizer. Pirates stood firm defensively, ensuring they secured a vital three points.

The teams will resume Premiership action in early April, with Sundowns hosting Stellenbosch FC on Saturday, April 5, and Pirates travelling to Polokwane City the following day.