Orlando Pirates Ascend to Second After Dominating Golden Arrows

It’s shaping up to be a three-horse race for the Betway Premiership title after Orlando Pirates climbed to second place, overtaking Kaizer Chiefs, following a 3–1 victory over Golden Arrows at a packed King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.

The result saw Pirates move to 22 points from 10 matches, just two points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who defeated TS Galaxy at Loftus Stadium on the same evening.

Amakhosi, who had briefly gone second after hammering Orbit College on Tuesday, dropped to third place with the same number of points from 11 matches, as Pirates hold a superior goal difference.

The Buccaneers’ goals came from their new recruits from Richards Bay — Nkosikhona Ndaba opened the scoring, while Yanela Mbuthuma netted a brace to seal the win.

The victory also made Pirates the first team to beat Arrows at their Umlazi fortress this season. Arrows had won all their home matches prior to this fixture and were hoping to maintain that record.

However, they faced a Pirates side they haven’t beaten in Durban since February 2021, when Pule Mmodi — now with Chiefs — scored twice.

Pirates came into the match with solid away form, having won three, drawn one, and lost one of their previous five away games — the only defeat coming against Marumo Gallants in August.

With the stadium filled to capacity, fans were treated to an entertaining start. Sihle Nduli forced an early save from Xolani Ngcobo, before Sipho Mbule narrowly missed with a long-range effort.

Pirates’ pressure finally paid off in the 23rd minute when Ndaba pounced on a rebound after Arrows failed to clear their lines. The move was created by Tshepang Moremi, whose clever play set up Masindi Nemtajela for a shot that led to the goal.

It was a memorable moment for Ndaba — his first-ever PSL goal, scored at the very stadium he once called home while playing for Richards Bay.

Arrows nearly equalised when Sibonelo Cele delivered a dangerous cross to Jerome Karelse, but the forward couldn’t make contact.

Pirates suffered a setback before halftime when Nduli was stretchered off in tears after a challenge from Junior Dion, forcing Thalente Mbatha to replace him.

Shortly before the break, Siyanda Ndlovu — crowned PSL Player of the Month for September and October on Tuesday— wasted a golden opportunity to level matters, shooting straight at Sipho Chaine.

With rain drizzling in the second half, the tempo dipped as both sides struggled to maintain possession.

Arrows eventually found an equaliser in the 72nd minute through Thokozani Khumalo, who turned home from close range after Angelo van Rooi dispossessed Lebone Seema and delivered a low cross.

However, their joy was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Mbuthuma restored Pirates’ lead with a precise finish into the far corner after a clever assist from Patrick Maswanganyi.

The 23-year-old forward sealed the result in the 87th minute, completing his brace when Relebohile Mofokeng lofted a delightful ball into the box. Mbuthuma turned his marker brilliantly before smashing the ball into the roof of the net to secure all three points for Pirates.

The Buccaneers’ supporters erupted in celebration, their chants echoing across the packed stadium as Pirates continued their strong push for the Betway Premiership title.

Picture courtesy of Lonwabo Shots