A first-half brace by Tshegofatso Mabasa was enough to see Orlando Pirates beat Chippa United in a DStv Premiership match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Pirates have now extended their unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions, scoring 24 goals in the process. They remain third on the log standings, one point behind high-flying Stellenbosch FC, who played to a 0-0 draw with AmaZulu FC.
Match referee Moses Kheswa did not waste time putting his foot down as he dished out a yellow card to Patrick Maswanganyi as early as the third minute. The Pirates star was booked for a foul on Chippa defender Thabo Makhele.
The first 15 minutes belonged to the home side, but they failed to make use of their total dominance.
Thabiso Monyane missed a golden opportunity in the 17th minute when he was just left with keeper Stanley Nwabali to beat. But the right-back miscued his shot.
ORLANDO PIRATES CRUISE PAST CHIPPA UNITED AT ORLANDO STADIUM
On form, Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa opened the scoring for the Buccaneers in the 36th minute after a good cross from Monyane to take his tally to 14 goals this season. He added a second for Pirates and his 15th with a penalty three minutes from the half-time break.
This came after Chippa defender Baraka Majogoro handled the ball inside the 18-area box after a cross from Innocent Maela.
The Buccaneers went to the half-time break leading by 2-0. Both clubs showed some intent to score in the second half, but their defence was equally solid.
Meanwhile, Chippa United remain in 11th position with three matches to go. They are eight points above Richards Bay FC, who now also look likely to be engaged in the promotion playoffs.
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