By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Sekhukhune United stunned Orlando Pirates 1-0 in their Premier Soccer League (PSL) opener at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday evening.
Pirates’ early dominance nearly gifted them the perfect start as Deon Hotto sent in a cross which Daniel Cardoso nearly slotted into his own net, only to be saved by the crossbar.
Babina Noko were not dead and buried, though. They also had some good moments as Pirates’ former players Thabang Monare and Linda Mntambo combined at times.
Their combination didn’t yield dividends in the first half as balls didn’t reach Bradley Grobler who was watched like a hawk by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Relebohile Mofokeng had the last chance of the first as he received the ball on the left side of the box, cutting inside to beat Tshepo Matsimbi and shoot, but his shot could not find the target.
Hotto created another chance at the start of the second half as he played Boitumelo Radiopane in at the edge of the box but his first touch was too heavy, allowing Cardoso to get to the ball before the striker.
In the 48th minute, Pirates struggled to clear Sekhukhune’s freekick with the ball eventually falling to Monare. His strike was denied by the woodwork and fell to Siphesihle Mkhize, who took a touch to set himself before placing his shot at the near post. Sipho Chaine could not get to the second effort in time and the ball crossed the goalline, giving the visitors the lead.
Sekhukhune were saved by the post again in the 74th minute as Hotto’s freekick found the open Mbokazi, whose header bounced and ricocheted off the left upright. Sihle Nduli could not reach the rebound and Yanela Mbuthuma’s follow up went wide of the goal.
In the 81st minute, Maswanganyi took a shot from far out, which sailed dangerously close to the target, but went over the bar.
Hotto was involved yet again in the 87th minute as he found Mbuthuma in the box, who could not keep his header down.
Despite their late efforts, Pirates could not find an equaliser.
Meanwhile Mamelodi Sundowns failed to win their opening game after they were held by Chippa United to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Elsewhere Marumo Gallants snatched a late winner to defeat Richards Bay 2-1 in their first game of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
Betway Premiership Results
Magesi FC 0-0 Polokwane City
Amazulu 1-0 Orbit College
Siwelele FC 3-1 Golden Arrows.