New Look Orlando Pirates Cruise to MTN8 Semis As Appollis Impresses Against Former Team
- Orlando Pirates have qualified for the semi-final of the MTN8 after defeating Polokwane City in the quarter-final of the competition
- The Sea Robbers' summer signing Oswin Appollis impressed against his former club as his new team booked a place in the next round
- Pirates fans shared their thoughts on the new-look team's performance against the Rise and Shine on social media
Orlando Pirates are through to the MTN8 semi-finals as they open the 2025/26 season with a 2-0 win against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Summer signing from Polokwane City, Oswin Appollis, stole the show as he impressed against his former team.
Source: Getty Images
The South African international scored his first goal for his new club and also won a penalty, which Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi coolly converted as Pirates eased past The Rise and Shine.
It was Pirates new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, first official match in charge of the club since being appointed the Sea Robbers' head coach.
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Pirates ease past Polokwane City
Orlando Pirates started the game on a good note when Deon Hotto whipped in a curling cross from the left, picking out Oswin Appollis inside the box in the first minute. However, the forward failed to hit the target, sending his effort wide of the goal post.
Polokwane City threatened the Pirates’ defence in the sixth minute when Levy Mashiane found his way into the box, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi reacted quickly to take out the danger.
The Buccaneers took the lead in the 13th minute after a good build-up involving Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, and Boitumelo Radiopane, with the latter setting up Appollis, who showed composure to slot home the opener.
In the 24th minute, the visitors had a chance to level the scoreline from a set piece, but the Buccaneers held firm at the back, dealing with the threat confidently to keep their lead intact.
A defensive lapse from the Soweto giants gifted Mashiane a sight of goal, but the Polokwane City star failed to capitalise, dragging his effort well wide off target.
Appollis continued to cause problems for City's defence, and Pirates were awarded a penalty after he was brought down in the box.
Source: Instagram
Maswanganyi stepped up to the penalty and he made no mistake as he put the ball past Brian Mwire to give Pirates a two-goal lead.
The first half ended with the Sea Robbers holding out a 2-0 lead and being the better side.
Appollis continued to impress in the second half but was substituted for Tshepang Moremi due to a minor injury.
Both teams failed to add goals in the second half as Pirates booked a place in he semi-final and their next opponent are yet to be determined.
Reactions as Pirates defeat Polokwane City
Habile said:
"Nduli doesn't look like a new signing...what a player. The window period is still open return Moremi and Mbuthuma."
Vusumuzi23Vusi wrote:
"If Shandu comes back next game, Ncikazi is in charge and fans should lower their expectations. The teams need to control the tempo of the game better when in the lead, there was so much rushing in the final 3rd."
SceloHMchunu shared:
"We won this game from the middle, the last time we were able to win games from the middle was with Oupa and Jali. Mbule and Nduli will win us the league🤞🏿🏴☠️"
sa_Khacilo reacted:
"Sipho mauled and Nduli combination is top notch and the Dansin and Mariko combination wasn't bad either,,that's what we needed top quality competition in midfield."
Deogracius added:
"2nd half we played Defensive football which was unnecessary, because we lost too many goals and they were killing Rele's momentum due to that he wanted to attack always. I think Dr Khoza can let him go now to Saudi playing Defensive Football is killing his game😔🤬😔🤬"
Pirates new captain shares MTN8 ambitions
Briefly News also reported that Pirates new captain Nkosinathi Sibisi shared his thoughts ahead of their MTN8 opener against Polokwane City.
The Bafana Bafana star expressed his confidence in the Bucs' preparations and their dream to secure fourth consecutive MTN8 title.
Source: Briefly News
