Pirates weather Royal AM fightback to claim first win of the season

After a disappointing start to their DStv Premiership season in going down to Stellenbosch last week, Orlando Pirates got their season back on track against Royal AM at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers ran out 4-1 winners in a match where they dominated their rivals in the first half but were forced to dig deep in the second. 

Goals from Zakhele Lepasa (2) and Monnapule Saleng saw Jose Riveiro's charges cruising at 3-0 after 35 minutes before Royal AM pulled a goal back just before half-time through Hopewell Cele.

Pirates continued to attack in the second stanza, with Mondli Mpoto called into action numerous times in the Royal AM goal, where he pulled off several excellent saves. 

Royal AM, too showed some attacking prowess, with Bandile Dlamini producing one fine run into the box only to be closed down by Pirates defenders before he could get his shot away. 

The visitors were rewarded in the 88th minute thanks to a goal by Mxolisi Macuphu, but Pirates put Royal's fightback to bed when Bandile Shandu scored deep into added time with a clinical finish to make the final score 4-2. 

The win moves Pirates up to 3rd on the log while Royal AM are in 12th.