Pirates Secure First League Win Of the Season Against Stellenbosch

Orlando Pirates finally secured their first victory of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season with a beautiful strike by Kamogelo Sebelebele at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

Sebelebele continued his impressive form, scoring with a venomous shot from outside the box in the first half. This win was a much-needed confidence boost for the Pirates, who had lost their first two league matches.

This match came at an interesting time, as both teams are in the semifinals of the MTN8 tournament and could potentially face each other in the final on 13 September.

Pirates drew their MTN8 first-leg semifinal against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium, while Stellenbosch took control of their encounter against Sekhukhune United. Both second-leg matches are scheduled for Saturday. Pirates and Stellenbosch also met in the MTN8 final last season, with Pirates winning it for a third consecutive time.

Match Highlights and Player Performances

Despite the upcoming semifinal, Pirates made only one change to their lineup, with Patrick Maswanganyi starting on the bench and Oswin Appollis taking his place. This was a sign of respect for Stellenbosch, who had beaten Pirates twice in both league matches last season.

Pirates started the game brightly. Relebohile Mofokeng and Appollis combined well, with Appollis rattling the upright with a powerful shot. Their impressive start was rewarded in the 15th minute when Sebelebele fired Pirates ahead with a brilliant strike from outside the box, catching Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens off guard.

It was Sebelebele’s second goal, having scored the equalizer against Sundowns in the MTN8 semifinal first leg on Saturday.

However, Pirates suffered a major blow when Deano van Rooyen was stretchered off with a suspected quad muscle injury and was replaced by Sipho Mbule. This meant Pirates lost their attacking threat from Sebelebele, who was then forced to drop back into a right-back position.

In the 57th minute, Pirates should have doubled their lead. Lebone Seema played a long pass to the advancing Namibian international Deon Hotto, who was clean through on goal. However, Hotto inexplicably shanked the ball wide with a wide swing.

It was a disappointing moment for the often-consistent player, who has a history of faltering in advanced positions.

Stellenbosch’s Comeback Attempt

On the hour mark, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker made four substitutions at once, bringing on Langelihle Phili, Andre de Jong, Thato Khiba, and Khomotjo Lekoloane. The changes appeared to have an immediate effect on possession, as the Cape Winelands side began to put pressure on the Pirates. The home side struggled to get anything going, hanging on against a determined Stellenbosch.

Lekoloane fired a stinging shot that Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who had been largely untested, had to punch away.

The win is a huge boost for the Pirates, who will now turn their attention to the MTN8 second-leg semifinal against Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, where they will need to overcome the disadvantage of having conceded an away goal in the first leg.