Orlando Pirates make statement with comfortable victory over Kruger United

by Chumasande Matiwane

Orlando Pirates produced another statement performance in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night, cruising to a convincing 4–0 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium.

Also see: Orlando Pirates crowned Betway Champions

The win strengthened the defending champions’ position at the top of the league table and extended their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 campaign. Pirates now have 13 points from five league matches, with four wins and one draw.  

The Buccaneers made the perfect start when Gamphani Lungu converted a penalty in the fourth minute after Kamogelo Sebelebele was brought down inside the box. Lungu calmly sent Kruger goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari the wrong way to give Pirates an early advantage. 

Kruger United fought hard against Orlando Pirates

Despite falling behind, Kruger United showed plenty of attacking intent and created several opportunities to get back into the contest. 

Aphiwe Mphote headed over the crossbar, while another effort from the striker cleared off the line. Boitumelo Malatjie also came close when his effort struck the woodwork.  

Pirates therefore went into the interval with a narrow 1–0 lead, but the Soweto giants raised their level after the break. 

In the 54th minute, Boitumelo Radiopane doubled Pirates’ advantage after beating the offside trap before keeping his composure to slot the ball past Ntwari. The goal gave the visitors greater control and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. 

Also see: The PSL race to top the league after the Soweto Derby 

Orlando Pirates’ attacking power

A second-half substitute, Yanela Mbuthuma, put the result beyond doubt. The forward combined with Oswin Appollis before finishing in the 79th minute to make it 3–0. 

Mbuthuma was not finished, as he continued into stoppage time. He raced through the Kruger defence and chipped the goalkeeper to complete his brace, sealing a comprehensive 4–0 victory for the Buccaneers.

The win is Pirates’ biggest winning margin of the season so far and continued their impressive unbeaten away run.  

According to the club, this victory extended their league unbeaten streak away from home to 17 matches.  

For Kruger United, the defeat highlighted the challenge facing the newly promoted side as they search for their first top-flight victory. They remain near the bottom of the table, while Pirates strengthened their grip on first place. 

Also see: Betway Premiership: Why Kaizer Chiefs’ game has been moved

Featured image: X/@TheeSportsGuy01

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