Mofokeng Shines As Pirates Return TO The Summit With AmaZulu Win
Relebohile Mofokeng played a decisive role in both goals as Orlando Pirates returned to the summit of the Betway Premiership with a 2–0 victory over AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on a humid Tuesday night in Durban.
Mofokeng opened the scoring before his influence led to a second goal, which was officially recorded as an own goal by AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson. The Bafana Bafana attacker was at the peak of his powers throughout the match.
The win saw Pirates replace Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table, moving to 35 points — three clear of the defending champions — with all teams having reached the halfway mark of the season.
AmaZulu faced an uphill battle against Pirates in Durban as they continue their pursuit of a first league title since the 2011/12 season.
Usuthu came into the match having not beaten Pirates at home since 28 October 2009, when Ayanda Dlamini scored the winner in a 2–1 victory at Chatsworth Stadium. Since that win, Pirates have visited Durban 16 times without defeat, registering six victories, including a dominant 4–0 win in May 2023.
As a result, Pirates have never lost to AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium since it opened for domestic football following the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Despite being at home, AmaZulu adopted a cautious approach, soaking up pressure and hoping to catch Pirates on the counterattack. However, Pirates’ dominance quickly nullified Usuthu’s game plan, leaving head coach Arthur Zwane visibly frustrated on the touchline.
It was only a matter of time before Pirates broke the deadlock. In the 16th minute, former AmaZulu player Tshepang Moremi delivered a clipped ball into the box, finding Mofokeng unmarked at the back post. The young attacker calmly guided the ball past Johnson to give Pirates the lead.
Pirates nearly doubled their advantage in the 24th minute, but Johnson produced a fine save to deny Deon Hotto, pushing his effort out for a corner.
Operating in a number 10 role, Mofokeng continued to dictate play, dropping deep to link up with Moremi and Oswin Appollis, as Pirates exploited the space left behind by AmaZulu’s advancing fullbacks. Usuthu struggled to apply pressure or close down Pirates’ ball carriers.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Pirates firmly in control. Appollis missed a gilt-edged chance in the 77th minute, firing wide from close range, a moment that left head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou on the ground in disbelief.
Although AmaZulu showed brief signs of improvement after the break, they failed to seriously test Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Their closest effort came from a Riaan Hanamub free kick that was flicked on by Langelihle Mhlongo, forcing Chaine into a smart save to push the ball wide, prompting Zwane to hold his head in frustration.
Mofokeng, who deservedly claimed the man of the match, crowned his day as he was allowed time and space and saw his shot come off the upright and hit the back of hapless Johnson for the second goal.
What’s next?
Orlando Pirates will return to Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday when they face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the Nedbank Cup round of 32.
AmaZulu, meanwhile, will travel to face Polokwane City in their next Betway Premiership fixture on Tuesday.
