Orlando Pirates thrashed Stellenbosch FC 4-1 on Sunday in the DStv Premiership to finally make it two-in-two victories for the first time since December 2021.
Pirates are slowly finding their form back after suffering two consecutive defeats against Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City.
PIRATES CLINICAL FINISHING IN FRONT OF GOAL
The Bucs were clinical each time they created a goal scoring opportunity.
The hosts started on a front foot detecting the ball and displaying attacking football. They found the back of the net on their first attempt at goal.
Thabang Monare scored a header eight minutes into the match, thanks to a brilliant freekick from Monnapule Saleng.
Seven minutes later, the Stellies tried to level matters. However captain Dean van Rooyen’s pass was easily dealt with by Pirates defenders as it couldn’t reach the intended target Jayden Adams.
A goalkeeping error by Stellenbosch keeper Shane Stephens saw Pirates double their lead. Skipper Innocent Maela scored his first goal of the season in the 19th minute.
Full back Bandile Shandu almost made it 3-0 just after the half hour mark. He beat Stephens, but was denied by the upright.
The Sea Robbers were a better side throughout the entire half creating many scoring chances, however the scoreline remained unchanged.
The Happy People continued with their dominance into the second half. Kermit Erasmus scored just before the hour mark in the middle of the box, thanks to yet another great assist from Monnapule Saleng.
Phillip Ndlondlo made it four nil in the 62nd minute scoring from a long range effort that caught Stephens off-guard.
The Capetonians got one back in the 75 minutes into the match with a Mervin Boji’s headed effort.
The victory lifted the Buccaneers to fourth on the log with 25 points from 17 matches.
On the other end, Stellies winless run stretched to nine games. They have registered four draws and suffered five defeats. The out-of-form outfit lay 14th after accumulating 17 points from 17 matches.
SUPERSPORT UNITED AND RICHARDS BAY SHARE SPOILS
In another league encounter played on Sunday, SuperSport United and Maritzburg United played out to a one all draw.
The first half end goalless, the Tshwane outfit had better scoring chances, however they failed to break the deadlock.
Rich Natal Boyz were the first to break the deadlock in the second half. Sanele Barns put the visitors ahead in the 67th minute. Eight minutes from the end, substitute Harold Majadibodu scored an own goal.
The stalemate left both teams unchanged in the log. The KZN outfit is second with 30 points and SuperSport is number three after accumulating 28 points. Both teams have played 18 matches each.
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