Orlando Pirates Reclaim Top Position From Mamelodi Sundowns in Betway Premiership

• Orlando Pirates are back on top of the Betway Premiership table after defeating AmaZulu FC in their league fixture on Tuesday
• Bafana Bafana star Relebohile Mofokeng continues to impress in the new role he has been deployed by Abdeslam Ouaddou this year
• The Soweto giants are now level on games with title contenders, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, this season

Orlando Pirates have reclaimed the top spot on the Betway Premiership table from Mamelodi Sundowns after claiming a 2–0 away win against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The decisive moment came from Bafana Bafana star Relebohile Mofokeng, whose impressive run of form continued as he netted the goal that ensured all three points for the Buccaneers on the road.

The South African international also impressed in Orlando Pirates' win over Magesi FC after they dropped points against Sekhukhune United in their opening fixture in 2026.

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Orlando Pirates beat AmaZulu FC

Pirates opted for a single alteration to the side that featured in their previous outing, with Deon Hotto coming into the starting XI in place of Nkosikhona Ndaba.

AmaZulu, on the other hand, reshuffled their line-up with three personnel changes, bringing in Bongani Zungu, Mlondi Mbanjwa and Henrick Ekstein for Langelihle Mhlongo, Tebogo Mashigo and Athini Maqokola.

True to expectation, the visitors asserted themselves early, moving the ball confidently and pinning AmaZulu back in their own half as they probed for space around the penalty area.

The hosts did show flashes of intent in response, launching quick attacks and relying on their pace to trouble the Sea Robbers whenever they turned possession over.

Pirates broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Mofokeng rose highest to nod in a well-weighted, curling delivery from Tshepang Moremi.

With the ball at their feet, the Sea Robbers maintained sustained pressure, repeatedly testing AmaZulu’s defensive structure, which worked hard to deny them clear routes into the box.

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After the interval, Pirates continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, although AmaZulu lifted the tempo and committed more bodies forward in search of a leveller.

The Buccaneers had opportunities to extend their advantage as the half progressed, but a second goal proved elusive.

The second goal finally came in the last seconds of the game after Mofokeng's effort hit the bar, but was deflected off Darren Johnson into the back of the net to end the game 2-0 in favour of the Bucs.

As the match wore on, Usuthu failed to capitalise on their attacking phases, allowing Pirates to see out the contest and secure a valuable victory.

The win leaves the Soweto giants on 35 points at the top of the standings in the Betway Premiership, three ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who remain on 32, while their city rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, occupy the third-place position with 30 points.

What's next for Orlando Pirates?

Orlando Pirates' next focus would be in the Nedbank Cup, where they would battle against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila F.C. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in the Round of 32 of the competition.

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The Sea Robbers' next match in the league would be a home game against Abdeslam Ouaddou's former club, Marumo Gallants, on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The Soweto giants will be facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a fixture that can be considered a title decider.

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