Orlando Pirates suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sekhukhune United in their Betway Premiership season opener, played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Having finished second in the league last season, the Buccaneers were eager to start the 2025/26 campaign on a high. Facing off against a Sekhukhune side that placed two spots below them, the Soweto giants were favourites to secure all three points—especially after a recent cup victory on home turf. However, it was the visitors who came away with the spoils in this early-season clash.
Despite dominating possession, Pirates failed to convert their control into clear-cut chances. Sekhukhune United, meanwhile, threatened early, with Katlego Letlapa firing just wide within the opening three minutes.
Pirates’ best opportunity in the early stages came more by accident than design. A deflected cross from Deon Hotto almost turned into a chance for Boitumelo Radiopane, but Sekhukhune’s defence held firm. The visitors responded with a chance of their own as veteran striker Bradley Grobler shot off-target from inside the box.
It wasn’t until the 27th minute that the home side registered a meaningful effort on goal. Midfielder Sipho Mbule unleashed a powerful strike from distance, forcing Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner into a solid save. Soon after, Patrick Maswanganyi tried his luck from range but failed to trouble the keeper.
The biggest chance of the first half came just before the break. Relebohile Mofokeng received a long diagonal ball from Oswin Appollis, cut inside brilliantly from the left, and curled a shot that narrowly missed the far post.
Sekhukhune found the breakthrough shortly after the restart. Midfielder Siphesihle Mhlongo reacted quickest to a rebound, slotting the ball past Melusi Buthelezi just three minutes into the second half to give the visitors a shock lead.
The Buccaneers held off another dangerous moment shortly after conceding, defending a free kick from a dangerous area just outside their box.
From there, it was all Pirates as they threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Substitute Abdoulaye Mariko had a few speculative efforts, but none found the mark. Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi came agonisingly close, hitting the upright with a powerful header from a set piece.
Late in the game, Yanela Mbuthuma had a golden opportunity after meeting a pinpoint cross from Hotto, but his header flew over the bar. Kabelo Dlamini had one final attempt in stoppage time, only to be denied comfortably by Leaner.
Despite their relentless push, Pirates were unable to find the back of the net, leaving them empty-handed in their league opener. Sekhukhune United, meanwhile, celebrated a hard-earned and morale-boosting victory on the road.
Orlando Pirates Starting XI:
Chaine, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Mashiloane (Moremi 83’), Hotto, Nduli, Mbule (Mariko 57’), Maswanganyi (Dlamini 83’), Mofokeng, Appollis (Sebelebele 67’), Radiopane (Mbuthuma 57’)
