Orlando Pirates FC demolish Milford FC in emphatic Betway PSL opener

Orlando Pirates FC opened their Betway Premiership campaign with a 5-0 hammering of Milford FC at Orlando Stadium on 1 August 2026, as Relebohile Mofokeng struck a first-half hat-trick to set the tone. The Buccaneers, sitting top of the table with 69 points from 30 games, now lead Mamelodi Sundowns by a single point after a recent run of five wins and two draws.

What happened on the pitch?

Pirates boss Menzi Chili set his side up to press high from the first whistle, and Milford cracked inside 12 minutes when Mofokeng pounced on a loose ball to fire past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. The striker doubled the lead on 23 minutes, slotting home after a quick counter. By the 34th minute, Mofokeng completed his treble, latching onto a through ball before chipping the onrushing defender to make it 3-0 at half-time.

The second half saw Pirates ease off but still add two more. Lungile Nkosi, starting in goal for the injured first-choice keeper, kept a clean sheet as Pirates controlled possession and carved open Milford’s defence twice more. Substitute Sibusiso Vilakazi made it 4-0 in the 67th minute, followed by Menzi Chili’s 82nd-minute strike to seal the rout.

Why it matters for Orlando Pirates FC

This win extends Pirates’ unbeaten run to five games and lifts them to 69 points from 30 matches, one clear of Sundowns in the Betway PSL. Their 58 goals scored this season - 12 more than any other side - underlines their attacking firepower, while the 12 conceded keeps them among the tightest defensively. The five-goal haul also marks their biggest margin of victory since the 2025 derby against Moroka Swallows.

Chili will be pleased with the intensity and clinical finishing, especially from Mofokeng, who now sits top of the PSL scoring charts with 10 goals. The result also puts pressure on Sundowns, who dropped points at home to Cape Town City last weekend. Pirates now face a tough trip to Durban next weekend, where they’ll look to extend their lead at the summit.

What comes next for the Buccaneers?

Pirates head to Moses Mabhida Stadium on 8 August to face Golden Arrows in a clash that could further stretch their lead at the top. With 69 points from 30 games and a goal difference of +46, they remain the side to beat in the Betway PSL. The next two fixtures - against Arrows and then a derby against Moroka Swallows - will test their depth and squad fitness after a gruelling pre-season.

Milford FC, meanwhile, slip to the foot of the table after a nightmare start, with just one point from their opening two games and no goals scored. Their next outing is against Stellenbosch FC on 4 August, where they’ll hope to arrest their slide.

League standing: Orlando Pirates FC sit 1st in the Premier Soccer League with 69 points from 30 games (21 wins, 6 draws, 3 losses), recent form WDWWD. They lead Mamelodi Sundowns by one point and have scored 58 goals while conceding 12 this season.