Orlando Pirates began their MTN8 title defence with a dominant 2-0 victory over Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

Six players made their debuts for the Buccaneers, including Oswin Appolis, who stood out against his former club.

The former Polokwane City forward had the first opportunity of the day, running in behind the defence onto Deon Hotto’s cross. However, his header went wide of the post.

In the 13th minute, Sihle Nduli found Boitumelo Radiopane on the edge of the area, who slid the ball for Appolis, who tucked the ball into the bottom right corner to find the opener on his Orlando Pirates debut. The 23-year-old did not celebrate against his former employer.

The Buccaneers doubled their lead in the 35th minute after Appolis was brought down in the box. Maswanganyi converted the resulting penalty, opening his account for the season.

In the 42nd minute, Polokwane City broke on the counter attack after Mbekezeli Mbokazi was dispossessed up the field, but debutant Levy Mashiane mistimed his run and was ruled offside, missing a golden opportunity for his side to reduce the deficit before halftime.

Rise and Shine began the second half with more intent than their opponent. In the 50th min, Ayabonga Gwangqa played a cross looking for Bulelani Nikani in the middle of the area, but his pass was cleared behind by Mbokazi.

In the 58th minute, Radiopane split the Polokwane City defence with a pass finding Bandile Shandu, whose effort from a tight angle sailed over the bar.

Pirates debutant Yanela Mbuthuma missed an opportunity to make an impression on his new fanbase in the 61st minute, as he was fed through at the edge of the area by Maswanganyi but could not control the ball.

The Buccaneers kept their foot on the gas and nearly bagged a third goal in the 65th minute as Hotto’s freekick clipped the top of the crossbar.

Mbuthuma missed another chance in the 89th minute, as Rise and Shine denied Hotto but could only clear the ball as far as Mbuthuma, whose effort was denied by a goalline clearance from Lebohang Nkaki.

Pirates will continue their quest for a fourth successive MTN8 title, and await the announcement of the semi-final opponent.

Orlando Pirates (2) (Appolis 13’, Maswanganyi 35’ pen)

Polokwane City 0

Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, B. Shandu, N. Sibisi, M. Mbokazi, D. Hotto, P. Maswanganyi (K. Dlamini 70’), S. Nduli (C. Dansin 83’), S. Mbule (A. Mariko 70’), O. Appolis (T. Moremi 60’), B. Radiopane (Y. Mbuthuma 60’), R. Mofokeng

Polokwane City: B. Bwire, S. Manthosi, B. Nikani, L. Nkaki, A. Gwangqa (S. Motsa 68’), M. Ramabu, N. Maphangule (S. Kelepu 81’), B. Dlamini (S. Goovadia 80’), S. Moremi (P. Tlolane 68’), M. Batlhabane, L. Mashiane