Orlando Pirates had a stupendous performance against Golden Arrows in the DStv Premiership, beating the outfit 7-1 at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
By the end of the first half, Pirates were 3-0 ahead of the KZN outfit and were in cruise control of the match.
Buccaneers forward Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a hat-trick in the game, with one goal in the second half, adding two goals in the second stanza.
The rampant result makes sure that the Soweto giants kept their CAF Champions League qualification hopes alive.
Following their match with Moroka Swallows, Pirates made two changes to their starting line up.
Within the first 11 minutes, Tshegofatso Mabasa gave the Buccaneers the lead with a rebound shot into an open net after goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana failed to hold onto a Makhaula effort. This gave the Buccaneers the perfect start.
The hosts continued to play aggressively, and three minutes later, after circling Mlungwana, Relebohile Mofokeng increased their lead with a shot into an empty net.
After that, Arrows had opportunities for counterattacks, and at the halfway point, Kagiso Malinga had a great opportunity after breaking free on goal, only to have keeper Sipho Chaine deny him in a one-on-one.
After a Mofokeng through pass, Kabelo Dlamini scored the third goal at the near post as Jose Riveiro’s team picked up their intensity once more.
