Pirates' Nkota strikes to take down SuperSport United
Mohau Nkota's solitary strike gave the Buccaneers maximum points in what was a rather dull affair.
Mohau Nkota of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal with team mates during the Betway Premiership match against SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on May 20, 2025 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
Orlando Pirates recorded a narrow 1-0 win over SuperSport United in a Betway Premiership match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night. Mohau Nkota's solitary strike gave the Buccaneers maximum points in what was a rather dull affair.
Pirates move up, SuperSport stay in a relegation battle
The win moves Pirates to 59 points with two matches left to play. Meanwhile, Matsatsantsa a Pitori are still embroiled in a relegation play-off battle after 26 matches.
ALSO READ: All the pressure is on SuperSport as Pirates come to town
SuperSport will next play Richards Bay and they still have an outstanding match against Golden Arrows, which was abandoned in February at half timew due to a power failure with the score tied at 1-1.
The first half between Pirates and SuperSport proved to be a low-key affair, with neither side creating clear-cut chances.The best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes fell to Lebohang Maboe, but he blasted his left-footed effort over the bar from inside the box.
Pirates were without the influential Relebohile Mofokeng due to suspension. His absence was felt as the Soweto giants lacked bite in the final third. It was a disjointed performance against a United team that was happy to play without the ball. There was a senior debut for Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, who came in for Sipho Chaine. Coincidentally, Dladla was also celebrating his 24th birthday.
SuperSport shot-stopper Thakasani Mbanjwa came off his line to deny Nkota from a tight angle in the 57th minute. Nkota was set up by Tshegofatso Mabasa, who had dropped deep to collect the ball, but the move was thwarted by an outstretched hand of Mbanjwa.
Kimvuidi class
The introduction of Karim Kimvuidi on the hour mark gave Pirates the impetus they needed. The Congolese midfielder replaced the inefficient Kabelo Dlamini, and it didn't take long for him to come up with an assist in the 72nd minute.
ALSO READ: 40-year-old Onyango dismisses retirement talk
Kimvuidi went on a driving run to set up Nkota, who cut back onto his favourite left foot before smashing the ball past Mbanjwa to give Pirates the lead. Nyiko Mobbie's header hit the upright on the stroke of full-time with Dladla well beaten. It was too little, too late, as Pirates held on for all three points.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Rulani sends honest message to Orlando Pirates boss
Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza received a special message from Rulani Mokwena on live television. After three Nedbank Cups and two MTN8 trophies in three seasons, former coach Jose Riveiro left the Buccaneers for Al Ahly before the end of last season. We are two months away from the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Orlando Pirates have yet to name the next coach but are only linked with names like Rulani Mokwena . The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca coach was asked if he would consider rejoining the mighty Orlando Pirates. Leaked: New Sundowns kit for the FIFA Club World Cup Kaizer Chiefs to profile 17 players abroad 'Of course I would consider it [joining Orlando Pirates], of course I would,' Mokwena said live on DStv's Soccer Africa after he was asked about the prospect. 'It's a big club. It's still got people who are very close to my heart. 'I am very, very fond of Dr Khoza. Very fond. He will always have a special place in my heart. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Jose Riveiro's Orlando Pirates squad has lost four players since his departure to Al Ahly, and as we edge closer to the winter transfer window. The club known as the Buccaneers have reportedly signed the likes of Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Masindi Nemtajela and Tshepho Mashiloane. The new faces are subject to official announcements as of 1 July. In the meantime, the club has announced some rather surprising departures… Full Story here.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
WOW: Orlando Pirates announce SHOCK double player exit!
Orlando Pirates are moving quickly in efforts to rebuild their squad ahead of the next season with incomings and outgoings. Pirates have reportedly already signed at least five players, while the number of exits is also growing ahead of preseason. In recent weeks Pirates announced the departure of midfielder Miguel Timm. The second exit was the departure of captain Innocent Maela who could take up a different role at the club. Following that, the Buccaneers have announced the shock exit of full back duo Thabiso Monyane and Paseko Mako. Pirates confirmed the exits of Monyane and Mako in a post on their official social media platforms. '𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 We bid farewell to Paseka Mako and @ThabisoJames_34. The Club thanks them for their commitment and contribution to @OrlandoPirates. Wishing them the very best in their next chapters. 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞.𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬' Wrote the post. Both exits come as a shock for different reasons. Monyane is a Pirates academy product and spent his entire full career at the club until date. In previous season he had been touted as a big prospect not only for the Buccaneers but for Bafana Bafana as well. However, he has seen his last two seasons blighted with injuries which. Have derailed his progress. Last season, the club also signed Deano van Rooyen which did not help his cause. Before and after that signing, he had seen his name linked with an exit from the club. Mako on the other hand was a very useful utility player for Pirates. In the end, he was their first choice left-back and seemed to establish himself as a regular. Therefore his release would've caught many off guard, Money played 94 times for Pirates, scoring four times with the same amount of assists. Mako played 173 times for the Sea Robbers, scoring twice while making eight assists. How do you feel about these exits Buccaneers? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star offered to Kaizer Chiefs!
Kaizer Chiefs could be set for a shock transfer by signing one of the players from their archrivals Orlando Pirates. Chiefs are looking to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season and that could lead them to rivals Pirates. It is not usual that players move directly between the Soweto giants, however, it has happened in the recent past. This is usually only through free agency, with names like Jimmy Tau, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Brilliant Khuzwayo coming to mind. Those players moved between Chiefs and Pirates without the clubs being involved in direct negotiations with each other. Then last season, however, Chiefs and Pirates negotiated a historic first ever transfer between each other. Amakhosi acquired the services of Bongani Sam from the Buccaneers, with the left-back signing for a reported R3 million fee. Now according to SABC Sport, there could be another direct transfer between the two clubs involving Thabiso Monyane. Monyane, however, will see his deal at Pirates expire in June and has reportedly been offered to Chiefs! 'SABC Sport has established that Kaizer Chiefs have been presented with the opportunity to sign right back Thabiso Monyane, whose contract with Orlando Pirates runs out this month. It's understood Monyane has not put pen to paper on a new agreement with The Buccaneer, but unclear whether this is due to the two parties not finding each other on personal terms of if Pirates are ready to release the player. What the public broadcaster has gathered, however, is that Monyane has been offered to Amakhosi as a free agent. it now appears as though his time could be over as it is believed the player's camp has held talks with Chiefs to potentially bring him to Naturena effective 1 July as a free agent next season.' Wrote the publication. Chiefs fans would you be happy to sign Monyane from Pirates? Buccaneers, how would you feel about losing the 24-year-old to Amakhosi? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
