Orlando Pirates will play Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-finals on Saturday, 8 August, after beginning their Betway Premiership title defence with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Milford FC.
The reigning champions secured all three points in front of a sold-out crowd at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with goals from Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi lifting the Buccaneers to second place in the early league table after the opening round of fixtures.
Orlando Pirates controlled possession from the start but found it difficult to create clear chances during the opening stages. Milford, making their first appearance in the Betway Premiership, offered the greater threat early on.
Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was forced to make two saves inside the opening 20 minutes, including one to keep out a powerful long-range attempt from Cebolenkosi Mthethwa.
The home side eventually broke the deadlock after Yanela Mbuthuma was fouled just outside the Milford penalty area. Appollis took responsibility for the free-kick and saw his effort take a deflection that wrong-footed goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza before finding the net.
That goal gave Orlando Pirates greater control of the match. They continued to dictate play for the rest of the first half, although they were unable to extend their advantage before the interval.
Deon Hotto came close to scoring from another set-piece, but his attempt drifted just wide of the target.
Pirates remained on top after the break, though Milford continued to limit the number of clear opportunities. Thalente Mbatha forced Hleza into a save when his shot took a deflection, while Moremi was also denied by the Milford goalkeeper as the visitors tried to remain within reach of the champions.
Moremi eventually settled the contest with five minutes remaining. The forward made a well-timed run, went around Hleza and finished calmly into an unguarded net to make it 2-0.
Milford attempted to respond in the closing stages and substitute Sicelo Masilela sent a dangerous delivery across the face of goal. However, Orlando Pirates’ disciplined defence prevented the visitors from finding a route back into the match.
Boitumelo Radiopane had a chance to add a third goal late on, but his effort from distance went wide as the Buccaneers comfortably managed the final minutes.
The result provides Orlando Pirates with an ideal start to their league title defence. Milford can take encouragement from a competitive first outing in the division, despite leaving Soweto without a point.
The Buccaneers’ next league match will be away against AmaZulu on Wednesday, 12 August, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30. Before then, Pirates will turn their attention to the MTN8 and their home quarter-final against Durban City on Saturday, 8 August.
