Orlando Pirates steered themselves clear at the top of the Betway Premiership standings with an emphatic 4-0 win away to Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
The vital points earned on the night edged the Soweto Giants three points clear of the chasing pack with more midweek league action still to follow on Wednesday night. The win also extended their unbeaten streak away from home, as they made it 17 games since their last league defeat as visitors.
Pirates’ start to the contest could not have been better as they were granted an opportunity to edge ahead when Kamogelo Sebelebele was brought to ground inside the penalty area shortly after the first whistle. The referee pointed to the spot with Gamphani Lungu stepping up and sending Fiacre Ntwari the wrong way for his fourth goal in all competitions this season four minutes into the game.
The goal-scorer’s night would however end prematurely as he suffered a knock that saw him replaced by Oswin Appollis in the 13th minute. The home side immediately looked to capitalize on the setback and had a chance through Aphiwe Mphothe, who headed wide from close range before launching a few more attacks into Bucs territory.
They set up camp in the opposition half throughout the remainder of the opening quarter, where they failed to conjure up any real opportunities. The Buccaneers were eventually able to wrestle back the momentum, pinning the hosts inside their half through a succession of set pieces.
None could provide clear-cut opportunities, while their opposition continued to grow in confidence at the other end. Things could have gone level with just seconds remaining before the break, but a goal-line clearance from Sbangani Zulu helped preserve the Buccaneers’ lead. Their advantage came under threat once more late in the first half, when Sipho Sibiya rattled the upright with a shot from close range.
Having survived a nervy first half, the visitors looked to gain more control in the second. They were however made to sweat by their hosts, who continued their search for the equalizer.
Some much needed respite eventually came in the 54th minute when they managed to turn their slim advantage to a handy two-goal cushion, courtesy of Boitumelo Radiopane who worked his way past the defence before calming slotting past Ntwari for his second goal in as many starts.
Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine wasn’t kept quiet at the other end, and was positioned perfectly to deal with an on-target effort from an Ebrahim Seedat free-kick.
There was more movement off the Pirates bench and it proved to be a masterstroke as one of the late introductions, Yanela Mbuthuma came up with the third of the night after combining with Appollis in the 79th minute.
Having been the provider, Appollis looked to get on the end of another opportunity late on as he went one-on-one with Ntwari, who won that particular duel. Mbuthuma then linked up with fellow substitute Mpho Padime but could not place his shot on target this time around.
