Thapelo Motlhoko of AmaZulu challenged by Nkosinathi Sibisi of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership match at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates reclaimed top spot in the Betway Premiership with a polished 3-0 victory over AmaZulu FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, keeping their title ambitions alive heading into the final stretch.
The Buccaneers, now on 58 points, moved above Mamelodi Sundowns, albeit having played two games more, placing the pressure firmly back on the defending champions.
Goals from Yanela Mbuthuma, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng underlined a dominant performance from Orlando Pirates, who were rarely troubled across the 90 minutes.
On the away end, Usuthu’s CAF Confederation Cup hopes flickered as they remained in fourth place.
Mbuthuma set the tone early, ending his goal drought in the 14th minute. The forward showed sharp movement inside a crowded box, evading his marker before guiding a low finish into the bottom corner after meeting a precise delivery from Tshepang Moremi.
Pirates doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time through Appollis, who combined neatly with Mofokeng before unleashing a powerful long-range effort that left goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela with no chance.
The third goal arrived in the 59th minute and carried the now familiar signature of Mofokeng’s brilliance. Played in by Nkosikhona Ndaba, the 21-year-old produced a stunning strike into the top corner, further strengthening his case as one of the standout performers of the season.
With the goals settled in quick succession, Pirates were able to control proceedings, but the contest had offered early warning signs.
AmaZulu, under Arthur Zwane, nearly struck first through Athini Maqokolo, whose blistering run down the flank saw him breeze past defenders before firing narrowly wide of Sipho Chaine’s goal.
That moment aside, it was largely one-way traffic.
Pirates dominated territory and possession from the outset, pinning AmaZulu into a defensive 5-4-1 shape. While the visitors showed occasional intent on the counter, they struggled to sustain attacks or test Chaine consistently.
The home side’s attacking rhythm was evident, registering multiple efforts on goal in the opening half and forcing a series of set-pieces that kept the pressure firmly on the visitors’ backline.
In the second half, little changed.
Pirates continued to dictate the tempo, moving the ball with confidence and purpose, while AmaZulu found themselves increasingly stretched and unable to mount a meaningful response.
For Abdeslam Ouaddou and his side, the result was as much about statement as it was about survival in the title race.
Having stumbled in recent weeks, this was a timely reminder of their attacking quality and depth, particularly with Mbuthuma rediscovering his scoring touch and Mofokeng continuing his remarkable run of form.
While the title may no longer be entirely in their hands, performances of this nature ensure that Pirates remain firmly in the conversation — and ready to capitalise on any slip from Sundowns in the weeks ahead.