Orlando Pirates Reserves Secure First Win of the Season

The Orlando Pirates Reserves achieved their first victory of the 2024/2025 DStv Diski Challenge season by defeating Marumo Gallants 2-0. The match took place at the Central University of Technology Stadium on Saturday morning.

Prior to this game, the Orlando Pirates Reserves had only secured two points from their previous matches. Their determination to succeed was evident as they faced a Marumo Gallants side that had struggled, with losses in both of their initial fixtures.

In the opening stages, both teams adopted a cautious approach, resulting in few clear opportunities. However, the Pirates Reserves began to dominate as the game progressed. Their energetic play led to a mistake by the home side in the first half-hour, which resulted in a free-kick in a dangerous area.

Despite this opportunity, the free-kick was off target. The Pirates continued to apply pressure, with midfielder Simphiwe Masilela creating a chance but being denied by the Gallants’ goalkeeper. As the first half neared its end, Siphamandla Msezane also tested the Gallants’ keeper without success. Near halftime, Cemran Dansin and Kabelo Moagi combined efforts that nearly resulted in a goal.

The second half saw the Pirates Reserves maintain their aggressive stance, keeping the host team under pressure. Dansin had a significant opportunity in the 54th minute but was unable to convert it. The breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute when captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi assisted Msezane, who calmly scored to give the Pirates the lead.

Even with the advantage, the Pirates continued to search for another goal. Masilela had a promising chance, entering the defense only to miss his shot wide. The Gallants had an opportunity to equalize with a free-kick but failed to capitalize.

The game was eventually sealed in the 84th minute when substitute Dimpho Madalane partnered with fellow substitute Seth Green. Green had an easy task turning the ball into the net to secure a two-goal advantage for the Soweto Giants.

Orlando Pirates Reserves stayed composed and preserved their lead, earning all three points in the match, bringing their total to five points after three games.

Orlando Pirates Reserves XI included: Visagie, Mbokazi, Ralenkoane, Selepe, Sibiya (substituted by Madalane in the 69th minute), Ngwenya, Moagi (substituted by Green in the 54th minute), Masilela, Dansin (substituted by Mazibuko in the 69th minute), Mohlala, and Msezane (substituted by Williams in the 89th minute).