Orlando Pirates ended Jose Riveiro's tenure with a 3-0 win over Golden Arrows on Tuesday evening.
For this final game under Riveiro, the Buccaneers' lineup included a first start for young Simphiwe Selepe and welcomed back Bandile Shandu, Kabelo Dlamini, and Tshegofatso Mabasa, who had been absent since the Nedbank Cup final defeat to Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
A decisive moment arrived within the opening 15 minutes when Mabasa scored. He latched onto a cutback from Relebohile Mofokeng, expertly firing the ball from the centre of the area into the bottom corner.
Pirates came close to extending their advantage only three minutes later as Shandu surged forward from midfield and got a shot away, but his effort was denied by the foot of the post.
An immediate response saw the visitors go close to levelling the score. Nduduzo Sibiya skillfully dropped his shoulder near the edge of the area before unleashing a curling effort that unfortunately struck the post.
Nevertheless, the Buccaneers continued to dominate the opportunities created. Mohau Nkota hit the side-netting from a narrow angle after a cross-field delivery, while Deon Hotto spurned a good chance right as the first half concluded.
Under continued pressure, Abafana Besthende were almost breached again by a first-time effort from Nkota, only for goalkeeper Ismail Watenga to make a crucial save.
BANDILE SHANDU SCORED HIS TENTH GOAL IN PIRATES COLOURS
However, the Soweto giants' advantage never seemed in danger and was extended in the 61st minute after Watenga fumbled Hotto's cross, presenting Shandu with a simple close-range finish.
Midway through the second half, Pirates scored a third goal as Dlamini struck a superb free-kick that gave Watenga no chance and found the back of the net.
As the match approached its conclusion, substitute Karim Kimvuidi nearly got in on the scoring, directing a smart header from a clever angle, but Watenga produced a save.
The Buccaneers were comprehensive winners by the end, getting back to winning ways after the Nedbank Cup final loss and leaving Abafana Besthende in 14th spot, three points clear of the relegation play-off position.
