Pirates edge Royal; City still winless

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Aug 17, 2022. 22:06

A midweek duo of DStv Premiership matches saw Orlando Pirates return to winning form, as they edged Royal AM 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday.

Pirates, after a surprise loss to Chippa United this past weekend, put in a determined showing to pick up all three points and move to fourth place on the standings on seven points – level with the top three of Richards Bay, TS Galaxy and AmaZulu, but with an inferior goal difference and having played a game more.

The decisive moment of the clash arrived on 34 minutes when right wingback Thabiso Monyane set up his left-flank counterpart Deon Hotto to drive a low shot into the back of the net.

The result also means that Royal have suffered back-to-back losses and drop to sixth place on six points.

The midweek’s opening clash was a goalless stalemate between Cape Town City and Maritzburg United at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday. The result means both the Citizens and the Team of Choice are still waiting for their first wins of the season, with the former team sitting at the foot of the standings.

The DStv Premiership will continue with a full round of fixtures this coming weekend, 19-21 August, headlined by a derby between Cape Town City and Stellenbosch FC, as well as a clash pitting traditional giants Kaizer Chiefs against top-flight newcomers Richards Bay.

DStv Premiership midweek results

Tuesday 16 August

Cape Town City 0-0 Maritzburg United

Wednesday 17 August

Royal AM 0-1 Orlando Pirates