Orlando Pirates tightened their grip on the Betway Premiership title race with a commanding 3-0 victory over a struggling Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The win not only extends the Buccaneers' unbeaten run to 14 matches across all competitions but also sees them set a new PSL record with 11 consecutive home league victories.
Early breakthrough sets the tone
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance. After surviving a third-time scare when former Pirates Katlego Otladisa hit the post, the Buccaneers responded immediately. In the 4th minute, Yanela Mbuthuma found the back of the net from close range following a pinpoint low cross from Relebohile Mofokeng.
Pirates continued to press, and the second goal arrived in the 29th minute. Patrick Maswanganyi unleashed a left-footed strike from the edge of the area; a wicked deflection off Eroine Agnikoi left goalkeeper Washington Arubi helpless as the ball rolled into the net.
Mofokeng seals the record
While coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed some frustration after the match regarding missed opportunities, the points were never truly in doubt. The “Ghost” had to wait until the 85th minute for the final flourish.
Young sensation Relebohile Mofokeng produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving through the Gallants' defence with a series of dummies before stabbing a clinical finish into the top corner.
The road ahead
The victory moves Orlando Pirates six points clear of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, though the Brazilians currently hold a game in hand. The stage is now perfectly set for a massive “title six-pointer” this coming Wednesday, February 18, when Pirates host Sundowns in Soweto.
For Marumo Gallants, the result marks their sixth successive defeat, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone as they prepare to face Durban City on March 1st.