Kamogelo Sebelebele once again rose to the occasion for Orlando Pirates, firing home a spectacular strike that secured the Buccaneers’ first league win of the Betway Premiership season.
The 20-year-old midfielder’s 15th-minute rocket was enough to see Pirates edge Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night, lifting them off the bottom of the table after two opening defeats.
Relief for Ouaddou as Pressure Eases
The victory came as a much-needed morale booster for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has been under early-season scrutiny from sections of the Ghost following a shaky start. After initial criticism for chopping and changing line-ups, the Moroccan tactician seems to be finding balance by restoring experienced heads to the side.
This performance, arguably his most cohesive since their MTN8 quarter-final triumph over Polokwane City earlier this month, showed signs of progress as Pirates prepare for a crunch MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend.
Sebelebele at the Heart of It Again
Having scored in the 1-1 first-leg draw against Sundowns, Sebelebele was once more the difference-maker. When Stellenbosch failed to clear their lines, he pounced outside the box and unleashed an unstoppable drive beyond Sage Stephens into the bottom corner his second crucial goal in as many matches.
Pirates nearly doubled their lead shortly after when Oswin Appollis, preferred ahead of Patrick Maswanganyi, linked up neatly with Relebohile Mofokeng, only for Appollis’ strike to cannon off the upright.
Tactical Tweaks and Midfield Battles
Ouaddou’s decision to push Mofokeng into a central playmaker role behind striker Evidence Makgopa gave Pirates an attacking spark, with the youngster pulling strings and creating chances. But Pirates’ early rhythm was disrupted when Deano van Rooyen limped off, forcing an early substitution. Sipho Mbule’s introduction steadied the midfield, allowing Appollis and Mofokeng to stretch Stellies out wide.
The second half, however, was far from straightforward. Missed chances, particularly from Deon Hotto, and visible disagreements between Ouaddou and his bench over substitutions created tension on the touchline. Makgopa and Mbatha were withdrawn for Kabelo Dlamini and Tshegofatso Mabasa, prompting the coach to visibly question the timing of the changes.
Despite Stellies pushing for an equaliser late on, the Pirates defence remained resolute. The final whistle confirmed their first league points of the campaign, injecting confidence ahead of their looming showdown with Sundowns in Atteridgeville.
Elsewhere in the Premiership
In Durban, AmaZulu edged Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium. Despite dominating possession, Gallants were undone by defender Keegan Allen’s free-kick in first-half stoppage time, which sealed the points for Usuthu.
Related article: Ouaddou Eyes Orlando Pirates Revival as Sundowns MTN8 Clash Looms
