Orlando Pirates made it two consecutive wins after hammering Royal AM 4-0 in the DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon at the Harry Gwala Stadium
Patrick Maswanganyi, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng and Kabelo were on the score-sheet for the Gauteng outfit.
The Buccaneers had four changes from the last clash’s line-up with Sipho Chaine, Deon Hotto, Kabelo Dlamini, and Miguel Timm taken off for Melusi Buthelezi, Innocent Maela, Thalente Mbatha and Monnapule Saleng.
Meanwhile, John Maduka returned with the same starting line-up of the last outing.
Sedwyn George wasted a glorious chance to put Royal AM ahead when he faced the goalkeeper Buthelezi after receiving a six-yard cross from Ayabulela Maxwele. However, his attempt went well wide.
Moments later, the away side approached the game with slow build-ups and started to produce scary moments, finding spaces in between Royal AM’s defence.
Pirates suffered an early blow with Thabiso Lebitso stretchered off after picking up an injury when he clashed with Khethukuthula Ndlovu. Riveiro brought Thabiso Monyane on as a replacement.
Thwihli Thwahla had a busy spell at the back with the visitors continuing to hunt for an opener.
MASWANGANYI BROKE DEADLOCK WITH STRIKE FROM PENALTY SPOT
In the 27th minute, Ezimnyama Ngenkani were awarded a penalty after Sbusiso Magaqa seemed to have brought down Saleng in the box. Patrick Maswangayi stepped up and rattled the net to secure a lead for the Buccaneers.
George came close to equalising when he hit the crossbar from a freekick on the edge of the box. The Buccaneers were leading 1-0 at the break.
It was Pirates who edged AM in the early stages of the second half. They got into a passing rhythm soon after coming out of the tunnel.
In the 56th minute, Thalente Mbatha doubled the lead after he was set up by Maswanganyi in the box. It was the first goal for the 24-year-old in the Buccaneer colours having signed on loan from SuperSport United.
In the 75th minute, Relebohile Mofokeng added the third one, firing past Mondli Mpoto after a pass from the substitute Kabelo Dlamini. Just after he was a provider on Mofokeng’s goal, Dlamini scored a thing of beauty to make it four for the Soweto giants.
Jose Riveiro’s side went on to claim maximum points on the road to take their points tally to 43.
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