Orlando Pirates delivered a sizzling performance in their final home fixture in 2024, beating Marumo Gallants 8-1 to claim a well-earned three points.
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Goals rained in the second half at Orlando Stadium with the hosts bagging a crucial three points in the Betway Premiership.
It was an eventful return to league football for the Soweto giants who overcame stoppages and a spirited first half performance from the visitors to complete their biggest win of the season thus far.
Fast start
They could not have asked for a better start to the match as they were in the lead within seconds after moving the ball upfield from the kick-off.
It found its way to Deon Hotto, whose cross from the left was turned into the Marumo Gallants net by midfielder Kenneth Nthatheni.
Following a break in play brought about by some inclement weather, the Buccaneers managed to get the ball in the back of the net once more in the 10th minute.
This time it was from the boot of Relebohile Mofokeng, whose goal did not stand as it was declared offside despite TV replays suggesting otherwise.
Bucs ‘keeper Sipho Chaine kept out one shot from Daniel Msendami midway through the first half.
However, he could not do much against Gabadinho Mhango just seconds later as the striker fired past him for the equaliser.
After drawing level, the visitors were able to keep clear-cut chances at their goal to a minimum while making the odd foray up the other end of the pitch.
The best of their opportunities came through set pieces where Chaine kept out a header from Phathutshedzo Nange before denying Mhango’s direct shot from outside the penalty area.
Mofokeng could have restored the lead at the stroke of half-time when he was played in by Mohau Nkota, but could only skew his attempt wide.
Following an evenly-fought first period, the second 45 minutes proved to be a direct contrast.
The Buccaneers began it just as they started the first, restoring their lead through Tshegofatso Mabasa who netted the first of his three goals on the day seconds after the restart.
The striker completed his brace just five minutes later as he headed past Washington Arubi after getting on the end of a lovely square ball delivered by Hotto.
Bucs right-back Deano van Rooyen was next to join in the party, finishing from close range to make it 4-1.
With a comfortable lead early in the second half, Orlando Pirates were far from done as Mabasa brought up his second league hat-trick in 2024 in the 64th minute after heading in on the near post, following a corner kick from Kabelo Dlamini.
It was then Thalente Mbatha’s turn, with the hosts going 6-1 to the good as the midfielder fired in with a trademark long-range effort, which evaded the hapless Arubi.
The 24-year-old repeated the feat in the 84th minute when he stretched the Buccaneers’ lead to six goals.
Mofokeng, who had been a thorn in Marumo Gallants’ flesh on the left, was then brought down moments before the final whistle.
The referee promptly pointed to the spot, with replacement striker Boitumelo Radiopane stepping up.
The 22-year-old made no mistake in bringing up his first senior goal for the Soweto giants, sending Arubi the wrong way to make it 8-1.
That was the last of a flurry of goals served up by the hosts, who ushered in the festive cheer with a commanding display on Christmas Eve.
