Orlando Pirates Move Ahead of Kaizer Chiefs After Beating Magesi FC in Betway Premiership

• Orlando Pirates have secured their first win in 2026 after defeating Magesi FC in the Betway Premiership this weekend
• The Soweto-based club started the year with a poor result, but they've regained confidence in their second game
• Two South African internationals were instrumental in the Buccaneers' victory over the 2024-25 Carling Knockout Champions

Orlando Pirates are back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership as they defeated Magesi FC to move past Kaizer Chiefs in the league standings on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The Sea Robbers started the second half of the season with a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United, but are back to sealing three points with Yanela Mbuthuma and Relebohile Mofokeng securing the club's first win in 2026.

The Soweto giants are not levelled on points with Mamelodi Sundowns on the log, with both teams being two points ahead of Kaizer Chiefs.

Orlando Pirates beat Magesi FC

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Buccaneers head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted for several adjustments following last weekend’s stalemate with Sekhukhune United, handing starts to Relebohile Mofokeng and Yanela Mbuthuma in place of Kamogelo Sebelele and Evidence Makgopa. Recent recruits Andre de Jong, Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane were meanwhile included among the substitutes.

Uncertainty surrounded the Magesi technical area, with regular boss John Maduka watching from the stands in club attire and absent from the official team list, leaving assistant Abram Nteo to direct proceedings from the touchline.

The situation had little impact on Pirates, who struck early in the ninth minute when Mofokeng burst forward down the left before teeing up Mbuthuma, whose fine first touch set him up to finish clinically for his third league goal this season.

The opening half was largely one-sided, as Magesi spent most of the period pinned back in their own territory. Pirates nearly doubled their advantage midway through the half, but Mbuthuma’s headed effort was straight at Elvis Chipezeze, who worked hard to keep the hosts competitive.

The Buccaneers eventually extended their lead shortly before half-time, capitalising on their control with a slick passing sequence that ended with Mofokeng drilling a low effort into the far corner to round off an impressive first-half display.

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Chipezeze had to be at his best shortly after, producing an outstanding save to keep out Moremi’s long-range effort as the teams went into the break with the score still 2–0.

The Buccaneers resumed the second half in the same aggressive fashion, with Moremi again forcing Chipezeze into action just two minutes after the restart, though the Zimbabwean goalkeeper stood firm once more.

Chipezeze was tested again just past the hour mark, reacting sharply to prevent Appollis from adding a third, before substitute Masindi Nemtajela squandered a gilt-edged chance moments later.

Ouaddou explains why he's not worried

Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou explained why he's not bothered despite Orlando Pirates dropping points against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.

The former Marumo Gallants head coach has been unable to beat Babina Noko in the league this season, after losing the first leg against Eric Tinkler's side.

Source: Briefly News