Pirates fans get an early Christmas present with 8-1 rout of Gallants

The festive cheer was palpable at Orlando Stadium as Orlando Pirates put on a goal-scoring clinic, hammering Marumo Gallants 8-1 to deliver an early Christmas present to their supporters on Tuesday afternoon.

Pirates unleashed a breathtaking second-half barrage, scoring seven of their eight goals to overwhelm their opponents. They showcased their attacking prowess, leaving their fans singing carols of praise and their opponents reeling.

A torrential downpour struck just three minutes into the match, forcing a 45-minute delay as fans and players scrambled for cover. But the interruption seemed to only ignite Pirates’ attacking fury as they returned to the field with renewed intensity.

Before the interruption, Deon Hotto’s cross took a wicked deflection off Kenneth Nthatheni, wrong-footing goalkeeper Washington Arubi and giving Pirates the early lead.

However, Gabadinho Mhango, facing his former club, levelled the score before halftime, ensuring a more evenly poised contest at the break.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to the hosts. Tshegofatso Mabasa, the star of the show, netted a hat-trick in a breathtaking 20-minute spell, displaying clinical finishing and earning himself the Man of the Match award.

PIRATES’ HERO: MABASA COMPLETES SECOND HAT-TRICK

This hat-trick marks Mabasa’s second of the year, following his impressive performance in Pirates’ 7-1 victory against Golden Arrows in April.

Thalente Mbatha added a brace to the tally, while Deano van Rooyen netted his first goal for the club. Boitumelo Radiopane sealed the deal with a late penalty, ensuring a resounding victory for ‘The Buccaneers’.

The emphatic victory not only snapped Pirates’ three-match winless streak but also significantly improved their goal difference, keeping them within striking distance of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who edged past AmaZulu earlier in the day. While Sundowns maintain a three-point lead at the top, Pirates have a game in hand.

Meanwhile Gallants, with coach Dan Malesela on special leave, are teetering on the brink of the relegation zone, just two points above the drop zone after 10 games played.

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