sportskeeda
Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a hat-trick as Orlando Pirates overwhelmed Marumo Gallants 8-1 at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
The Buccaneers began the match with high energy, netting an early goal just five minutes in, thanks to an own goal by Kenneth Nthatheni.
However, the game faced a halt in the fifth minute due to a heavy rainstorm affecting the pitch. Action resumed at 15:30, where the Buccaneers nearly doubled their score in the eighth minute, but Relebohile Mofokeng was caught offside by the assistant referee.
Gallants started to find their rhythm in the 15th minute, yet Phathutshedzo Nange’s header was easily caught by Sipho Chaine.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa kept the pressure mounting and scored in the 23rd minute with a goal from former Pirates striker, Gabadinho Mhango.
Immediately following Mhango’s goal, the Buccaneers were close to scoring again, but Trevor Mathiane made a vital tackle to thwart Mabasa’s attempt. The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1. In the second half, Riveiro’s side emerged strong and netted two rapid goals within the first 10 minutes.
Mabasa found the net twice, assisted by full-backs Deano Van Rooyen and Deon Hotto. In the 59th minute, Van Rooyen, the former Stellenbosch right-back, contributed the Buccaneers’ fourth goal, with assistance from rising star, Mohau Nkota.
The 2023/24 Golden Boot contender, Mabasa, completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute with a fantastic header from a corner taken by Kabelo Dlamini. Thalente Mbatha scored the sixth goal for Pirates in the 70th minute, extending their lead to 6-1.
Pirates continued to dominate and aimed for more, with Mbatha scoring again, bringing his personal tally to two for the match at 7-1.
Paseka Mako, who came on during the second half, provided the assist for Mbatha’s second goal. The home team was awarded a penalty in the 89th minute, which Boitumelo Radiopane confidently converted, finalizing the match at 8-1. This victory marks the Pirates’ largest win in the PSL era, surpassing their previous 7-1 triumph against Golden Arrows last season.
This win keeps the Buccaneers in contention alongside Mamelodi Sundowns, who achieved a 1-0 victory over AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium in another Tuesday match, extending their lead to 27 points after 10 matches. Importantly, Pirates still have a game in hand.
