Orlando Pirates have taken another step toward winning the Betway Premiership title with a 3-0 thrashing of Magesi FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night.
The Buccaneers are on course to win the title (their first since 2012) ahead of reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns on goal difference – assuming both teams win their remaining matches (one for ‘Downs, two for Pirates).
The Bucs are turning the heat up on Masandawana ☠️🔝#BetwayPrem | #SSDiski pic.twitter.com/dBKjxO9I9A
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 9, 2026
After Sundowns had eaten into Pirates’ goal difference advantage earlier in the evening with a 7-4 win over Siwelele FC, the Soweto giants responded strongly by crushing the basement-dwelling Dikwena tsa Meetse courtesy of goals from Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamohelo Sebelebele and Oswin Appollis.
The result saw Pirates close to within three points of leaders Sundowns, and they hold the game in hand, as well as a superior goal difference (+44 to +37). As for Magesi, they remained in last place and are three points adrift of the safety of 14th.
Against a much-changed Magesi starting XI, Pirates got off to a flying start and claimed the lead in the eighth minute. Maswanganyi picked up a chip into the box from Appollis and proceeded to ghost past several defenders before providing a composed finish for 1-0.
And it was 2-0 in the 15th minute, as Sebelebele latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the 18-yard area and drove a low shot past the left hand of goalkeeper Mbali Tshabalala and into the bottom corner of the net.
The Buccaneers lost some steam after their fast start, and had to wait until the hour mark to add to their advantage. Sebelebele tumbled under a challenge from Mzwandile Buthelezi near the by-line and a soft penalty was awarded. Appollis coolly converted from 12 yards to make it 3-0.
Penalty or no penalty? 👀t🤔
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 9, 2026
Referee makes the call to award a spot kick for Orlando Pirate
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/W6RT09OoDw
The teams will return to Premiership action next Saturday, 16 May, with Pirates at home to Durban City, and Magesi away to Siwelele FC.
Magesi FC 0
Orlando Pirates (2) 3 (Maswanganyi 8’, Sebelebele 15’, Appollis 60’ pen)
Magesi: Tshabalala, Makgoga, Mofokeng, Buthelezi, J. Mokone, Mahlasela (Raphadu 46’), Majola, Muvhango (Baloyi 72’), Seseane, Mosadi (Mashiane 72’), Magaqa (Masegela 46’)
Pirates: Chaine, Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto, Makhaula (Dansin 62’), Mbatha (Mariko 86’), Mofokeng (Msendami 82’), Maswanganyi (De Jong 82’), Appollis, Makgopa (Mbuthuma 62’)