The Bucs climbed to 12th while Stellies remain at 14th in the standings.
Orlando Pirates achieved their first victory of the season with a slim 1-0 win against Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Before this match, the Buccaneers had suffered losses in their first two fixtures. Their first win of the 2025/26 season lifted them to 12th place, while Stellies continued to seek their first points while sitting in 14th.
Kamogelo Sebelebele scored a stunning goal in the first half, marking the decisive moment in the encounter.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made a single change to the lineup from their previous match against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final. Oswin Appollis replaced Patrick Maswanganyi.
In contrast, Stellies coach Steve Barker introduced four players to the lineup following their 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the other semi-final match last weekend.
The home team quickly established control over the game and nearly scored in the fourth minute when Appollis hit the post, with goalkeeper Sage Stephens unable to react in time.
However, the Buccaneers secured the lead soon after, thanks to Sebelebele’s impressive long-range strike in the 16th minute, marking his second goal in consecutive matches after scoring a late equalizer against Sundowns.
Sihle Nduli, facing his old team, almost extended the lead for Pirates in the 23rd minute, but his shot was skillfully tipped over the bar by Stephens.
The Buccaneers relentlessly pressed for a second goal, nearly achieving it in the 42nd minute through Thalente Mbatha, but again, Stephens stood firm to deny him.
At halftime, Pirates maintained their 1-0 advantage.
Deon Hotto missed a prime opportunity to increase the lead in the 57th minute during a one-on-one situation with Stephens after receiving a pass from Lebone Seema, but his shot went wide.
The best chance for Stellies arose in the 73rd minute when substitute Phuti Lekoloane pushed past Seema and took a powerful shot, but Sipho Chaine made a crucial save to ensure Pirates secured their first league victory this season.
