Pirates start season with comfortable win
Orlando Pirates got their Betway Premiership title defence off to the perfect start with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The defending champions looked in control for most of the afternoon and were rewarded with goals from Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi to secure all three points in their opening league fixture.
Pirates came out with intent and nearly created an early opening through Deon Hotto, whose dangerous delivery into the box caused problems for the visitors. Milford had a rare chance of their own in the 13th minute, but Khanyisani Radebe’s effort was comfortably gathered by Sipho Chaine.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute from a free-kick. Appollis’ strike took a heavy deflection on its way into the net, leaving goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza rooted to the spot.
The Buccaneers continued to dominate possession before the break, while Milford struggled to turn their few attacking moments into clear-cut chances.
Pirates picked up where they left off after half-time, keeping the visitors pinned back as they searched for a second goal. Thalente Mbatha tried his luck from range early in the second half, while Radebe forced another save from Chaine with a long-range effort at the other end.
The hosts came close to doubling their advantage in the 68th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi headed Hotto’s cross on target, but Hleza was well positioned to make the save.
Pirates eventually sealed the result five minutes from time. Lebone Seema led a quick attacking move before finding Tshepang Moremi, who kept his composure to finish from close range and wrap up a comfortable opening-day victory.
It was a solid all-round display from the champions, who rarely looked troubled as they began the new campaign on a winning note. Milford, meanwhile, showed flashes of promise but were unable to match Pirates’ quality over the 90 minutes
