Orlando Pirates suffered their first defeat of the Betway Premiership season, falling 1-0 to Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

Devin Titus scored the only goal of the match, breaking away and skillfully placing the ball beyond Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

This win provided a measure of revenge for Stellenbosch, who had previously experienced a tough loss to Pirates in the MTN8 final in Durban last October.

Last season, Stellenbosch managed to beat Pirates in both of their league matchups.

This setback marks the first for the Soweto Giants in the league this season, allowing Mamelodi Sundowns to hold their lead at the top of the standings after defeating Sekhukhune United on Saturday. Both teams are now level on 21 points after eight games.

Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro retained the same lineup that achieved a 2-1 victory over the Algerian team CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday.

The team showcased strong cohesion, dominating the early stages against Stellenbosch, creating over five chances within the first 15 minutes but unable to find the net. After that, the visitors began to assert themselves, nearly scoring from a corner kick in the 18th minute, but the Buccaneers held solid defensively. Pirates had another promising opportunity in the 27th minute, but 2023/24 Young Player of the Season Relebohile Mofokeng failed to convert.

In the 30th minute, Mohau Nkota had a chance that was expertly saved by Sage Stephens. Shortly after, in the 33rd minute, the visitors took the lead with a goal from Bafana Bafana winger Titus.

Stellenbosch had another chance in the 35th minute, but Sipho Chaine comfortably dealt with Thabo Moloisane’s attempt. Just before halftime, a misstep from Stephens gave Pirates an indirect free kick opportunity, although they could not convert.

The first half ended with the score at 1-0 in favor of the visitors. Riveiro made a change at halftime, bringing on Kabelo Dlamini for Makhehleni Makhaula. Dlamini had an immediate impact, creating over three chances within the first 10 minutes of the second half.

The home side had a clear opportunity in the 59th minute, but Evidence Makgopa could not find the back of the net. Following his miss, Thalente Mbatha launched a powerful shot from outside the box, but it went wide. The Buccaneers continued to exert control over the match, with Patrick Maswanganyi setting up Dlamini, whose shot struck the crossbar in the 65th minute.

In the 67th minute, Riveiro substituted in Deano Van Rooyen to face his old team, replacing Thabiso Monyane, while Tshegofatso Mabasa also came on for Makgopa. Stellenbosch had their first opportunity of the second half in the 78th minute, but De Jong’s header went off target. Pirates nearly equalized later when Nkosinathi Sibisi shot straight at Sage Stephens inside the box after a back flick from Tshegofatso Mabasa.