Orlando Pirates back in the hunt after rivals stumble

Orlando Pirates were the big winners after a full round of midweek matches in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership.

The Buccaneers picked up a crucial 1-0 away win over Siwelele FC in Tuesday’s lone match, thanks to an 80th-minute goal by Oswin Appollis.

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The Soweto giants then sat back and watched as their nearest challengers for this season’s title stumbled one after the other in Wednesday’s Heritage Day fixtures.

Shock defeat

First up, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Golden Arrows in Durban, their first defeat of their campaign.

Next, Kaizer Chiefs were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Marumo Gallants, after the latter fought back from a 1-0 deficit to equalise in the 75th-minute.

Lastly, log leaders Sekhukhune United were also held to a 1-1 stalemate at home by next-from-bottom Chippa United.

When all was said and done, Orlando Pirates saw themselves rise to fifth place in the standings, eight points behind Sekhukhune United, but having played two fewer matches.

Crucially, the Buccaneers are just six points adrift of second-place side Masandawana, but have three matches in hand.

They are also just two points behind bitter Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs – and have played one fewer game.

R10 million richer

Throw in the fact that Orlando Pirates are already R10 million richer thanks to their fourth-consecutive MTN8 title, and it’s been a vastly improved last couple of weeks for the Buccaneers after what was a shaky start to the season where they lost their opening two Betway Premiership fixtures.

Next up for Orlando Pirates will be a CAF Champions League first preliminary round second leg tie against Lesotho’s Lioli FC.

The Buccaneers hold a handy 3-0 lead after the first leg.

The second leg will take place at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 27 September at 15:00.