Tshegofatso Mabasa bagged a hat-trick for Orlando Pirates, who returned to winning ways with a 7-1 thrashing of Golden Arrows on Saturday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 7-1 Golden Arrows
Date: 06 April 2024
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Pirates made two changes from their draw against Moroka Swallows, as Thabiso Sesane took the place of the suspended Nkosinathi Sibisi and Makhehlene Makhaula replaced Thalente Mbatha.
The Buccaneers had a perfect start after Tshegofatso Mabasa gave them the lead within the first 11 minutes with a shot from a rebound into a gaping net after goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana could not hold onto a shot by Makhaula.
The hosts remained on the front foot and Relebohile Mofokeng doubled their lead three minutes later with a shot into an empty net after he rounded Mlungwana.
Arrows had spaces on counter-attacks after that and Kagiso Malinga had a big chance on the half-hour mark after he broke clear on goal but he was denied by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine in a one-on-one.
Jose Riveiro's charges stepped up their game again and moments later Kabelo Dlamini added the third goal with a strike at the near post after a through ball by Mofokeng.
The Sea Robbers were comfortable and Mabasa had a big chance to make it 4-0 on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot but his spot-kick was saved by Mlungwana.
Pirates did not give Steve Komphela's troops any chance of a comeback as seven minutes into the second stanza Mabasa eventually made it 4-0 and completed his brace with a close-range finish at the back post after a square pass by Thabiso Lebitso.
The Buccaneers were in complete control and on 66 minutes, they refreshed their midfield as Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo replaced Makhaula.
Sandile Mthethwa got his name on the score-sheet in the last 14 minutes with towering header into a gaping net after getting on the end of Dlamini's cross.
Lungelo Nguse got a consolation goal for Arrows with a diagonal shot after going through on goal, but Mabasa restored a five-goal cushion for the Buccaneers shortly after that and completed his hat-trick with a side-footed shot in the box after a square pass by Lebitso.
There was enough time for second-half substitute Karim Kimvuidi to rounded off the scoring with a well-taken finish on an emphatic night for the hosts.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 24. Chaine, 27. Xoki, 36. Sesane, 37. Lebitso, 7. Hotto, 4. Timm, 16. Makhaula, 28. Maswanganyi, 18. Dlamini, 38. Mofokeng, 19. Mabasa
Subs: 40. Mpontshane, 39. Mthethwa, 25. Kimvuidi, 23. Maela, 21. Kapinga, 15. Ndlondlo, 14. Saleng, 9. Lepasa, 2. Monyane
Golden Arrows: 36. Mlungwana, 30. Cele , 15. Zuke, 5. Shitolo, 16. Lukhele, 38. Mthanti, 18. Mutizwa, 11. Sibiya, 24. Dlamini, 41. Zwane, 7. Malinga
Subs: 28. Kayode, 39. Cross, 23. Dube, 6. Tlolane, 31. Ncube, 40. Nguse, 22. Hlatshwayo, 9. Moon, 14. Van Rooi
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