Overview
- Orlando Pirates beat Magesi FC 2-0 in the first match at the rebranded Orlando Amstel Arena, played in front of a full house.
- Yanela Mbuthuma scored from Relebohile Mofokeng’s cut-back before Mofokeng made it 2-0, earning Man of the Match as his season tally reached two goals and four assists.
- The result moves Pirates to 32 points, level with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on goal difference, with reporting noting Pirates hold a game in hand.
- Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised the press and control but said the side must be more clinical, remarking they “could have scored maybe six goals” and stressing goal difference could be decisive.
- January signings André de Jong and Daniel Msendami made substitute debuts, Sipho Mbule and Evidence Makgopa were omitted for tactical reasons, Pirates visit AmaZulu on Tuesday before a Nedbank Cup tie against TTM, and Magesi remain bottom.