Orlando Pirates extended their lead at the summit of the Betway Premiership table to six points after claiming a 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants on Saturday at Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Sea Robbers beat the Bloemfontein-based side with goals from Yanela Mbuthuma, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Relebohile Mofokeng to take a six-point advantage over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who are on 32 points, while Pirates have accumulated 38 points.
Pirates welcomed Gallants in a crucial home clash, looking to collect maximum points and boost their chances of winning the Premiership title since 2012.
The Buccaneers have been in an impressive run of form over the past few matches, taking the top spot on the log, while Mamelodi Sundowns are occupying second place.
Interestingly, Pirates lost against Gallants in the first round of the 2025/26 season after Bahlabane Ba Ntwa collected three points with a 2-1 victory. Since losing against Gallants in August 2025, the Ghosts have yet to suffer a defeat in the league.
The match between Pirates and Gallants got off to a flying start with both sides looking for a quick opening goal to settle the nerves. As early as the 2nd minute, the away side came close to finding the back of the net with a strike for Katlego Otladisa; however, his shot was dealt with by Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
A few minutes later, Pirates turned defense into attack with a quick counterattack that saw Yanela Mbuthuma open the scoring after receiving a perfect pass from the highly-rated attacker Relebohile Mofokeng.
PATRICK MASWANGANYI NETTED THE SECOND GOAL FOR PIRATES
Pirates continued their dominance in the match after scoring the second goal in the 29th minute courtesy of talented midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi. The Soweto giants went to the half-time break holding an advantage with a 2-0 lead.
With Pirates aiming to increase their lead in the second-half, they brought in Tshepang Moremi and Deon Hotto in place of Patrick Maswanganyi and Yanela Mbuthuma.
After coming on as a substitute, Makgopa had two chances to find the back of the net; however, the Bafana Bafana striker couldn’t apply an accurate finishing touch. Pirates put the final in the Gallants’ coffin after scoring the third goal through Rele Mofokeng in the 85th minute.
Despite Marumo Gallants’ efforts to avoid a defeat, Pirates registered a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Mbuthuma, Maswanganyi, and Mofokeng to tighten their grip at the top of the log.
In other league matches on Saturday, Chippa United beat Richards Bay FC 3-0 at Buffalo City Stadium, while Siwelele FC and Polokwane City FC shared spoils with a goalless draw at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
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