Seema’s Spectacular Performance Leads Pirates to Victory
In a thrilling match on Tuesday night, Lebone Seema netted a stunning goal in the second half, leading Orlando Pirates to a 1-0 victory over Orbit College at Orlando Stadium, thereby securing their second consecutive league win.
Seema, stepping in for the injured Nkosinathi Sibisi, unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the penalty area, leaving Orbit’s goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane helpless. This victory marks the Buccaneers’ second league triumph in a row, following their previous win against Stellenbosch FC at the same venue last Wednesday.
In a notable pre-match choice, star player Relebohile Mofokeng was given a rest, as his recent performance has come under scrutiny. This opened the door for Tshegofatso Mabasa to make his first start of the season after his impressive display in the MTN8 semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns last Saturday, where he scored the decisive penalty.
Despite dominating the first half, Pirates couldn’t find the back of the net. Patrick Maswanganyi, who started the match despite an early substitution in the game against Sundowns, had a clear opportunity but failed to generate enough power in his weaker-footed attempt. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, a standout performer against Sundowns, almost conceded a goal with a wayward pass but managed to recover in time. The visiting “Umswenko Boys” stood firm, resulting in a goalless first half.
The breakthrough came in the 56th minute when a cross from Kamogelo Sebelebele was only half-cleared by the Orbit defense, falling right to Seema. He unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike that easily beat Moerane, who appeared to slip while trying to make the save.
Following the goal, Pirates took full control of the match, commanding both tempo and possession. Mabasa attempted a long-range shot that went wide, while Sebelebele, who had found the net in his last three games, had his goal-bound effort saved.
With this win, Pirates have moved up to seventh place in the Betway Premiership standings, accumulating six points from four matches. In contrast, Orbit College, managing only one win this season, has fallen to 14th place with three points.
