Orlando Pirates have reduced the gap between themselves and Stellenbosch on the DStv Premiership log to three points with a 4-0 win away at Royal AM on Sunday afternoon.
Patrick Maswanganyi scored his fifth goal of the season, a contentious penalty while Thalente Mbatha got his first in black and white in a match the visitors dominated at a packed Harry Gwala Stadium.
Mbatha passed to Tito who was brought down in what appeared to be outside the box but the referee awarded spot kick that Maswanganyi slotted home to break the deadlock in the 29th minute. Mbatha had an opportunity to score earlier from range but was off target.
There were chances for Royal AM to score from Khethukuthula Ndlovu but his one attempt went wide while the other was an easy save for Melusi Buthelezi who replaced suspended Sipho Chaine in goals.
Pirates could have extended their lead in the 35th minute when Maswanganyi set-up Monnapule Saleng who had only the net to beat but landed the ball on the roof of the net. Minutes from the break Royal AM won a set-piece Sedwyn George stepped up but Buthelezi made a brilliant save to deny him an equaliser leaving Pirates with a narrow lead into halftime.
No changes were made from both sides at the start of the second half. Pirates got their second goal 10 minutes into the half. Maswanganyi and Mbatha exchanged roles for this one as the former provided the assist and the latter the goal to make it 2-0. With the match looking secured at 2-0 Tshegofatso Mabasa set-up Relebohile Mofokeng for the side’s third in the 73rd minute.
A misplaced cross by Kabelo Dlamini also ended in the back of the net to make the Happy People in the stands very happy.
Pirates remain in third position with 43 points with five matches left to play while, John Maduka’s men are 13th with 29 points from the same number of matches.
