Bucs Down Top Flight Debutants Milford As Title Defence Begins In Style
Orlando Pirates began the defence of their 2026/27 Betway Premiership title with a comfortable 2-0 victory over newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Goals from Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi secured all three points for the Soweto giants in their opening match of the new league campaign.
The defending champions started the season without one of their key players, Relebohile Mofokeng, following his move to Belgian side Royal Union Saint-Gilloise during the transfer window.
Pirates made a dominant start and proved too strong for Milford, who were playing in their first-ever top-flight league match.
The home side created several chances in the opening stages, dominating possession and pinning Milford back as they searched for an early breakthrough.
Milford came close to opening the scoring in the 19th minute when Cebolenkosi Mthethwa unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box, but Sipho Chaine was well positioned to make a comfortable save.
Pirates broke the deadlock four minutes later through Appollis. His free-kick took a deflection before finding the bottom-right corner, making him the first goalscorer of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
As the first half progressed, Milford found it increasingly difficult to cope with Pirates’ attacking pressure. The Buccaneers continued to push for a second goal, but the visitors defended resolutely to keep the deficit at one.
Milford grew into the game in the closing stages of the half and looked for an equaliser, but Pirates’ experience ensured they remained in control.
The hosts took a deserved 1-0 lead into the break.
Both teams started the second half positively, looking to create openings.
Deon Hotto came close to doubling Pirates’ advantage in the 61st minute, but his effort was well saved by the Milford goalkeeper.
Milford nearly levelled the score seven minutes later when Sicelo Masilela found himself one-on-one with Chaine, but he dragged his effort wide of the target.
Moremi almost put the result beyond doubt in the 78th minute after beating his marker and firing from inside the penalty area, but the goalkeeper produced another fine save.
The winger was not to be denied, however, as he sealed the victory six minutes later. Moremi rounded goalkeeper Sphamandla Hleza before calmly slotting the ball into an empty net to wrap up a deserved 2-0 victory for the defending champions in front of their home supporters at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
While Milford showed moments of promise on their Betway Premiership debut, Pirates’ superior quality and experience ultimately proved the difference as they got their title defence off to the perfect start.
