Orlando Pirates delivered a resounding 8-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in their Betway Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Despite a brief interruption due to heavy rain just three minutes into the match, the game quickly turned into a one-sided affair.
An early own goal by Kenneth Nthatheni, deflecting Deon Hotto's cross past Washington Arubi, set the tone.
Although Gabadinho Mhango equalized against his former club to make it 1-1 at halftime, the second half was a different story.
Pirates unleashed a goalscoring spree, with Tshegofatso Mabasa bagging a hat-trick, Deano van Rooyen scoring his first goal for the club, and Thalente Mbatha netting a stunning brace.
MABASA BECOMES FIRST PLAYER TO SCORE HATTRICK IN BETWAY PREMIERSHIP THIS SEASON
Mabasa’s hat-trick was the first this season in the Betway Premiership. He has scored seven goals in 20 matches he has played across all competitions.
The emphatic win served as an early Christmas present for Pirates fans.
This dominant performance significantly boosted Pirates' goal difference, putting pressure on league leaders Sundowns, who had earlier secured a narrow 1-0 win over AmaZulu.
Sundowns maintain a three-point lead at the top of the table, but have played one game more than Pirates.
