Yanela Mbuthuma scored a brace when Orlando Pirates thrashed Golden Arrows 3-1 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
The Buccaneers moved to the second spot in the Betway Premiership standings after securing maximum points in their away match.
Nkosikhona Ndaba opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when his effort deflected off Ayanda Jiyane, giving Bucs a 1-0 lead going into the halftime break.
Substitute Thokozani Khumalo responded for Golden Arrows, levelling the score to 1-1 in the 72nd minute. Mbuthuma, who replaced Evidence Makgopa in the 64th minute, put Pirates back in the lead in the 74th minute.
Mbuthuma then put the game beyond Arrows’ reach when he netted his second goal in the 87th minute. The match ended 3-1 in favour of the visitors.
Pirates are level on 22 points with Kaizer Chiefs, but they leapfrogged Amakhosi on the table because of their superior goal difference. Chiefs have also played one game more than Bucs, who’ve played 10 league matches.
Mamelodi Sundowns tops the table with 25 points after edging TS Galaxy 1-0 also on Wednesday. Sundowns have played 12 league matches. They’ve won seven, drawn four, and lost one game.
Golden Arrows vs Orlando Pirates: Official Lineups
Golden Arrows Starting XI:
Ayanda Jiyane, Luthando Ndlovu, Junior Dion, Isaac Cisse, Jerome Karelse, Nqobeko Dlamini, Maxwele Ayabulela, Sbonelo Cele, Xolani Ngcobo (G), Themba Mantshiyane, and Sboniso Madonsela.
Orlando Pirates Starting XI:
Nkosikhona Ndaba, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, Masindi Nemtajela, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Sipho Chaine (G), Sihle Nduli, Lebone Seema, and Thabiso Lebitso.
Golden Arrows Latest Results
In their last Betway Premiership match on 2 November 2025, Golden Arrows demolished Marumo Gallants 4-0. Junior Dion opened the scoring in the 15th minute.
Arrows changed gears in the second half, scoring three more goals. Isaac Cisse doubled the score in the 75th minute from Thokozani Khumalo’s assist.
Khumalo then scored two late goals, in the 87th and in the 90+2 minutes. Arrows secured maximum points in the match.
Orlando Pirates Latest Results
In their previous Betway Premiership fixture, Orlando Pirates drew 1-1 with reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. In the top-of-the-table clash, Peter Shalulile found the back of the net in the 20th minute.
Cemran Dansin levelled the score in the 35th minute, sending the Orlando Pirates faithful into a frenzy. Both sides earned a hard-fought point after the clash.
Also Read: Tshepang Moremi goals – A look at Orlando Pirates forward’s stats in the 2025/26 season
Golden Arrows vs Orlando Pirates: Head-to-Head in 2025
Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates had already played two matches in 2025. The Buccanneers won both of them.
On 13 May 2025, Pirates thrashed Golden Arrows 3-0. Tshegofatso Mabasa scored the first goal in the 16th minute. Bucs went into the halftime break leading 1-0.
Bandile Shandu extended Pirates’ lead in the 61st minute, making it 2-0. Kabelo Dlamini put the game beyond Arrows when he netted the third goal in the 66th minute.
On 6 May 2025, Pirates edged Arrows 2-1. Patrick Maswanganyi scored his side’s lead in the 51st minute. Siyanda Mthanti responded for Arrows, equalising in the 59th minute.
Mabasa scored the winner in the 72nd minute, breaking the hearts of Arrows players and fans.
Golden Arrows’ Next 2 Fixtures:
- On Sunday, 9 November 2025, Golden Arrows hosts Marumo Gallants in a Carling Knockout semi-final. The showdown starts at 15:00.
- On Sunday, 23 November 2025, Golden Arrows visits TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium in a Betway Premiership fixture. The match kicks off at 15:30.
Orlando Pirates’ Next 2 Fixtures:
- On Saturday, 8 November 2025, Orlando Pirates visit Richards Bay in a Carling Knockout semi-final. The clash starts at 15:00.
- On Saturday, 22 November 2025, Orlando Pirates hosts Chippa United at Orlando Stadium in a Betway Premiership match. The game kicks off at 15:30.
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