By: Nosipho Cele
Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways in style, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday, 16 August 2026, to move to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
It was a frustrating opening 45 minutes for the Buccaneers, who dominated possession and created the better chances but were unable to find a way past a stubborn Chippa defence and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Nigeria international produced three crucial saves to keep Pirates at bay, denying Oswin Appollis in the sixth and 16th minutes before tipping Deon Hotto’s free-kick over the crossbar in the 34th minute. Tito Maswanganyi was also booked in the 42nd minute as the frustration grew, with Pirates heading into the break locked at 0-0.
However, the Buccaneers returned from the interval with renewed intensity and finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute. Maswanganyi delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, with Lebone Seema rising highest to power a header past Nwabali.
Pirates doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Ghampani Lungu found space on the edge of the box and fired home in the 66th minute. It was his second goal of the season after his dramatic late winner against Durban City in the MTN8.
The Buccaneers continued to control proceedings, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou introducing fresh attacking options to maintain the pressure. Daniel Msendami made an immediate impact, capitalising on a mistake in the 87th minute to score his first goal for Pirates and complete the 3-0 victory.
The result lifts last season’s Betway Premiership champions to the top of the standings, leapfrogging arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, while Chippa drop to 13th after suffering their first defeat of the season.
Pirates now turn their attention to their MTN8 semi-final clash against Sekhukhune United, while both teams return to league action on 25 August. Pirates face Sekhukhune United, with Chippa travelling to take on Siwelele FC.
The weekend’s Betway Premiership action concluded later on Sunday with TS Galaxy and Golden Arrows playing to a 0-0 draw at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. Both sides remain without a win this season, with Arrows ninth on three points and Galaxy 10th on two points.