Orlando Pirates have taken pole position in the Betway Premiership title race after defeating AmaZulu FC 3-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers collected maximum points to move to the summit of the log with 58 points in 25 matches, while Mamelodi Sundowns dropped to second place with 56 points in 23 games. Pirates found the back of the net courtesy of Yanela Mbuthuma, Oswin Appollis, and Relebohile Mofokeng.
Pirates hosted AmaZulu in front of their home fans, looking to bounce back from the disappointing results against Richards Bay FC at Umhlathuze Sports Complex last weekend.
The Soweto giants played to a thrilling 2-2 draw against Richards Bay to drop crucial points in the tight title race with Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates are pushing to dethrone the Brazilians, who have won the league in the past eight consecutive seasons.
PIRATES SINK AMAZULU TO TAKE POLE POSITION IN TITLE RACE
In the clash against Usuthu, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made two changes from the team that shared the spoils with the Natal Rich Boys, bringing Nkosikhona Ndaba and Makhehlene Makhaula into the starting line-up to replace Deon Hotto and Thalente Mbatha.
With Pirates desperate for three points to jump to the top of the Premiership log, they had a bright start to the match, creating problems for the AmaZulu defence as they searched for an early goal.
The away side pulled off a rare attacking moment after Athini Maqokola broke away from the Pirates defenders, but he could not convert with only goalkeeper Sipho Chaine left to beat in the ninth minute. A few minutes later, Pirates found the back of the net through the scrutinised Yamela Mbuthuma, who has been under fire in recent weeks for missing clear-cut scoring chances.
With the match headed for the break, Oswin Appollis doubled Pirates’ lead on the stroke of half-time, allowing them to go into the tunnel with a solid 2-0 scoreline.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG CONTINUES HIS FINE FORM AT PIRATES
The KZN-based side had it all to do in the second half to keep their ambitions of finishing third alive and qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup.
In the 59th minute, the Sea Robbers netted the third goal through a brilliant strike from in-form attacker Relebohile Mofokeng, who curled a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela stunned.
Pirates were awarded a penalty in the final 15 minutes of the match after an AmaZulu defender was judged to have handled the ball in the box. However, Mofokeng was unable to convert from the spot, with his effort striking the woodwork.
The reigning MTN8 champions held on to their 3-0 lead to walk away with all three points.
In other matches that kicked off at 15:00 on Saturday, Golden Arrows defeated Orbit College FC 2-1, while Siwelele FC and Marumo Gallants played to a goalless draw.
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