Orlando Pirates treated their supporters to a goal fest after thrashing Marumo Gallants 8-1 in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday afternoon.
Betway Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 8-1 Marumo Gallants
Date: 24 December 2024
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Pirates made two changes following their draw against Stade d'Abidjan in the CAF Champions League, as Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini were recalled, Evidence Makgopa was not in the squad while Patrick Maswanganyi was suspended.
The Buccaneers went ahead inside the first minute after Kenny Nthatheni deflected Deon Hotto's cross into his own goal.
The game was halted four minutes later due to thunder and lightning in the rain at the stadium and play only resumed after 40 minutes.
Gallants got stuck in coming from the long stoppage, as they did not give Pirates time and space on the ball.
Looking for chances on counter-attacks, Gabadinho Mhango eventually levelled matters midway into the first stanza with a strike past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine from a one-on-one, after Nkosinathi Sibisi failed to clear a through ball.
Jose Riveiro's charges were spirited after that and Relebohile Mofokeng almost restored their lead on the stroke of half-time with a looping shot from range that was tipped to the crossbar and over by shot-stopper Washington Arubi.
The Soweto giants had a perfect start in the second stanza after Mabasa restored their lead two minutes later with a strike in the box after he was teed up by Deano Van Rooyen.
Pirates remained on the foot and five minutes later Mabasa made it 3-1 and got his brace with a tap-in from a cross by Hotto.
The hosts continued to attack with intensity and on the hour-mark Van Rooyen made it 4-1 with a toe-poked shot from a scramble in the box.
The Buccaneers were running riot four minutes later after Mabasa made it 5-1 and completed his hat-trick with a header in the box from a cross by Dlamini following a corner.
Pirates were unstoppable going forward as with 20 minutes to go, Thalente Mbatha made it 6-1 with a curling shot from the edge of the box that went in off the crossbar in the top corner.
Siwelele Sa Marumo had no resistance in the dying minutes as Mbatha made it 7-1 and completed his brace with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Boitumelo Radiopane made it 8-1 for rampant Pirates in the last minute from the penalty spot after Mofokeng was brought down in the box.
The Buccaneers remained three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in second place, with a game in hand.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Dlamini, Mofokeng, Nkota, Mabasa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Monyane, Xoki, Mako, Tshobeni, Rasebotja, Gilberto, Moleleki, Radiopane
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Nthatheni, Mabotja, Mathiane, Khumalo, Msendami, Dhludlhu, Nange, Mhango, Manaka, Mphambaniso
Subs: Mlambo, Sithole, Chabatsane, Nhlapo, Nemtajela, Shai, Mokobodi, Mahlatsi, Sibiya.
