By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates kept alive their hopes of securing a Premier Soccer League top-two finish with a 4-0 victory over Royal AM at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday.
Patrick Maswanganyi opened the floodgates for the Buccaneers by converting a penalty in the 29th minute before Thalente Mbatha doubled their advantage 11 minutes into the second half.
Relebohile Mofokeng extended their lead on 74 minutes while substitute Kabelo Dlamini completed the heavy win with eight minutes to go.
It was a perfect response by Pirates after Stellenbosch, their nearest challengers for a Champions League spot, had opened a six-point game following Saturday’s 5-0 victory over Polokwane City.
They reduced the gap to three points and have the final five games to catch up with the Cape Winelands side.
The Buccaneers were missing three players in goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, Deon Hotto and Miguel Timm due to suspension.
That paved the way for Melusi Buthelezi, captain Innocent Maela and Mbatha to start.
Royal AM were without midfielder Moffat Mdluli and goalkeeper Marlon Heugh who are battling with fitness issues on an afternoon they were left hovering above the relegation zone.
After just 17 minutes into the contest, the Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro was forced to change his plans by withdrawing an injured Thabiso Lebitso for Thabiso Monyane.
Then an opportunity to take the lead came for Pirates when Maswanganyi was fouled inside the box and he took the responsibility to convert the penalty himself.
After going for halftime already with an advantage, the Soweto giants increased their lead 11 minutes after the restart through Mbatha who coolly finished a Maswanganyi feed.
It became worse for the home side who conceded after Mofokeng intelligently turned in an assist from Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Dlamini then sealed the big victory after firing into the far corner from a tight angle before Maswanganyi was named Man of the Match for the 12th time in all competitions this season.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane challenging for the ball against Royal AM midfielder Ayabulela Maxwele.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
