Orlando Pirates responded emphatically to their MTN8 final heartbreak, dismantling TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night, just three days after failing 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the cup final, the Buccaneers delivered a controlled, clinical performance that restored confidence and kept them firmly in the title chase.
Clinical finishing seals the points
Boitumelo Radiopane opened the scoring in the 18th minute, tapping home from close range after Oswin Appollis capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Tape Ira. The hosts controlled proceedings thereafter, rarely looking troubled at the back.
Five minutes into the second half, substitute Tshepang Moremi made an immediate impact. Introduced for Gamphani Lungu, he finished a cutback from debutant Bulelani Segomoshe to double the lead. Simphiwe Masilela then rounded off the victory in the 76th minute, slotting home after neat combination play with Kabelo Kgositsile to claim his first goal of the season.
Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was largely untested, preserving a clean sheet as the Buccaneers extended their impressive defensive run to six consecutive league matches without conceding.
Title race remains tight
The result lifts Orlando Pirates to 22 points and keeps them second on the log, one point behind leaders Sundowns – who themselves won 4-1 against Richards Bay on the same night. Crucially, the Buccaneers still have a game in hand.
For TS Galaxy, the defeat continues a worrying run of form. They have now gone four league matches without a victory and look increasingly short of ideas in attack.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be satisfied with the response after the MTN8 disappointment. Attention now turns to the CAF Champions League second-round ties against Namibian side African Stars, before the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs later this month.