Orlando Pirates cruised to a 3-0 win against AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Amstel Arena, climbing back to the summit of the standings.
Goals from Yanela Mbuthuma, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng sealed a comfortable home triumph. They have now collected 58 points from 25 matches, sitting two points clear of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who still have two games in hand.
Abdeslam Ouaddou made two changes to the starting XI from the previous match, bringing in Nkosikhona Ndaba and Makhehlene Makhaula in place of Deon Hotto and Thalente Mbatha. Meanwhile, Usuthu were forced into a change, with Wandile Dube replacing the suspended Nkosikhona Radebe, who was sent off in his last outing.
As expected, the hosts took control early on at eSgodini, aiming to settle quickly and carve out scoring opportunities. In the seventh minute, Olwethu Mzimela produced a fine save to push Oswin Appollis’ powerful effort wide. Shortly after, Athini Maqokolo found space behind the Pirates’ backline but saw his attempt miss narrowly.
In the 14th minute, Mbuthuma opened the scoring with a well-taken header from a perfectly delivered cross by Tshepang Moremi, scoring his first goal since finding the net against Marumo Gallants in February.
The KZN side showed glimpses of rhythm, appearing composed in possession as they worked to build attacks in search of an equaliser. However, the Sea Robbers remained well organised in midfield and defence, making it difficult for the opposition to break through.
Appollis doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, slotting home from outside the box after dribbling past Liam Bern. The match reached the interval with the home side leading 2-0.
In the early stages of the second half, the Buccaneers picked up where they left off, pushing forward with intent as they looked to extend their lead. In the 55th minute, Appollis nearly grabbed a brace after being played through by Mofokeng, but Mzimela dealt well with his effort.
The Soweto giants’ relentless attacking paid off in the 59th minute as Mofokeng made it 3-0, calmly converting from a well-worked move set up by Ndaba. From that point on, Arthur Zwane’s troops failed to mount a comeback, as Pirates instead surged forward and looked for further goals.
In the 73rd minute, Pirates were awarded a penalty after Appollis’ close-range shot struck Taariq Fielies’ hand in the box. Mofokeng stepped up to take it, aiming to add to his tally, but the upright denied him.
Usuthu failed to stage any real response as Pirates got back to winning ways following their 2-2 draw on the road against Richards Bay. Pirates’ next assignment is a highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, while AmaZulu will face Chippa United.
