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EZEKIEL PHALANA
IMAGE SOURCED THE CLUB
Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways in the Betway Premiership with a convincing 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night, strengthening their position in the league title race.
The Buccaneers delivered an impressive performance in front of their home supporters, extending their perfect home league record to four victories from four matches. The result lifted Pirates to 22 points, keeping them within touching distance of the league summit with a game in hand.
Pirates started brightly, with Oswin Appollis testing TS Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tapé as early as the second minute. The home side continued to push forward and eventually broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Appollis produced a well-timed pass for striker Boitumelo Radiopane, who finished from close range to give the Buccaneers a deserved 1-0 lead.
Despite creating further attacking opportunities, Pirates were unable to extend their advantage before half-time, while TS Galaxy struggled to turn their efforts into a meaningful equaliser.
The Soweto giants returned for the second half with renewed energy, introducing Tshepang Moremi, whose impact was immediate. Just five minutes after the restart, the winger found the back of the net from inside the penalty area to double Pirates’ lead and put the hosts firmly in control.
TS Galaxy responded with greater urgency, with Sedwyn George threatening the Buccaneers’ defence and forcing goalkeeper Sipho Chaine into action. However, Pirates remained composed at the back and continued to search for another goal.
Substitute Evidence Makgopa also came close to adding his name to the scoresheet, but his low effort from outside the penalty area was kept out by Tapé.
The decisive moment arrived when Simphiwe Masilela sealed the victory with Pirates’ third goal of the evening. Linking up with Kabelo Kgositsile, the winger finished from a tight angle to register his first senior goal and complete a memorable night for the home side.
Masilela later attempted to add another goal but failed to find the target with a long-range effort. Nevertheless, his contribution capped an outstanding second-half display by the Buccaneers.
The 3-0 triumph marked Pirates’ seventh win of the season and their sixth clean sheet in the league campaign, underlining their strength at both ends of the pitch.
After their disappointment in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, the Buccaneers have responded positively by returning to winning ways in the league. With the title race gathering momentum, Pirates will be eager to maintain their consistency and continue applying pressure at the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
For the Buccaneers and their supporters, the victory was more than just three points. It was a statement of intent as they continue their pursuit of domestic league honours.