Orlando Pirates exert pressure on Sundowns with another impressive win

Orlando Pirates moved closer to their first Premier Soccer League crown since 2011/12 season with a 3-0 win over Magesi on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The Sea Robbers were aware they needed maximum points were all that was needed against Magesi to counter Mamelodi Sundowns’ win against Siwelele in an initial fixture.

With their healthy goal difference, the Soweto giants needed to ensure they drop no points in the remaining fixtures, starting this weekend away to Dikwena Tsa Meetse.

Pirates settle the nerves with early strikes

Bucs settled early, pushing with every chance for an early goal to help them get the much-needed confidence considering the fact that they were playing away.

South Africa international Patrick Maswanganyi cooled the nerves of the visiting fans when he found the back of the net in the eighth minute with Evidence Makgopa, who was preferred in place of Yanela Mbuthuma, providing the assist.

The second goal for the Soweto giants came in the 15th minute thanks to Kamogelo Sebelebele whose clinical strike from range caught beat the goalkeeper to double the advantage.

Despite the many chances created by the Buccaneers, the first half ended with a 2-0 advantage in favour of Pirates.

Pirates finish the job

Bucs continues to push for more goals after the break, but the likes of Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Yanela Mbuthuma, who had replaced Makgopa, couldn’t take their chances.

It mattered less, however, as Pirates got their third goal in the 60th minute. Mzwandile Buthelezi brought down Sebelebele in the danger zone leaving the referee with no option but point to the penalty spot; Appollis delivered to make it 3-0.

The game was sealed with Bucs moving to 65 points, three less than Masandawana, who have played a game more. Victories against Durban City and Orbit College will hand them the crown.