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Fine margins defined much of the action on the opening day of the 2026 Pirates Cup,setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
The 10th anniversary edition of the competition kicked off on Friday morning at the University of Johannesburg’s AW Muller Sports Complex, where 24 teams took to the field with only four men’s teams guaranteed a spot in the knockouts, along with the two group winners in the women’s category.
Producing a compelling blend of intensity and intrigue, the day’s action was mainly characterised by tight contests throughout. There were however a few runaway winners, as some teams managed to make a statement early on.
Orlando Pirates Under-21 were made to toil a bit as they began their pursuit of their first title since 2018, but eventually managed to complete a clean sweep in Group A as they clinched wins against each of their three group rivals to secure a spot in the next round. They kicked their tournament off with a come-from-behind 2-1 win against eSwatini outfit Nsingizini Hotspurs prior to claiming a 2-0 victory over RR Football Academy. Their group stage campaign ended with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Umkhanyakude.
Umsinga United completed a similar feat in Group C, overcoming tough competition posed by Orbit College, Thembisa Destroyers and former champions Ambassadors. University of Pretoria and FC Leapers were the other group winners, with the latter edging a tight Group D on goal difference after finishing level on points with Dube Continental.
In the women’s category, two of the four groups took to the field and both past Pirates Cup winners on display laid down an early marker with convincing performances throughout the day.
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies eased into the next round with three wins in as many matches, netting nine goals and conceding just one in the process. They also registered the biggest winning margin on the day in defeating Group B rivals Panorama Ladies 6-0, while their other two fixtures were much tighter affairs as they recorded a 2-1 win over Windhoek City in their opening match plus a 1-0 victory over Emmarentia Pirates.
They marched on alongside 2024 winners JVW, who clinched wins in each of their fixtures without conceding while, kicking things off with a 2-0 win against eventual Group A runners-up Mphehli All Stars before clinching an identical result against NWU Soccer Institute. The Blue Diamonds capped a near-flawless run in the opening round with a 3-0 win over University of Limpopo.
Four more knockout spots in the women’s competition will be confirmed when the two remaining groups take to the field on Sunday, while teams drawn in Group E to J in the men’s section all kick off their respective campaigns on Saturday. The action continues from 9:00 on Saturday morning with gates opening to the public at 7:30. To view the full schedule as well as Friday’s results click on Pirates Cup 2026
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.