Mbuthuma scores twice as Orlando Pirates strengthen Betway Premiership lead

Orlando Pirates strengthened their position at the top of the Betway Premiership with a ruthless 4-0 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, as Yanela Mbuthuma scored twice in a dominant second-half display.

The defending champions were forced to be patient during a controlled opening period, but they raised the tempo after the interval and eventually overwhelmed Premiership newcomers Kruger.

The result takes Pirates to 13 points from their first five league matches and keeps them at the summit as they continue their title defence.

Kruger’s difficult introduction to South Africa’s top flight continued with a fourth defeat in five games. They remain bottom of the table on one point.

Pirates made an assertive start and took the lead after only three minutes. Kamogelo Sebelebele was brought down inside the penalty area, allowing Ghampani Lungu to step up and convert the penalty with composure.

The goal was Lungu’s second in the league this season, but the Zambia international was unable to continue for long. He was substituted after 13 minutes because of an injury, with Bafana Bafana forward Oswin Appollis coming on in his place.

Although Pirates controlled much of the first half, they could not add to their advantage before the break. Their attacking threat became far more pronounced in the second period.

Nine minutes after half-time, Appollis opened up the Kruger defence with a precisely measured pass into the path of Boitumelo Radiopane. The forward made no mistake with the finish, extending Pirates’ lead to 2-0.

The second goal shifted the momentum decisively in favour of the champions. Kruger struggled to retain the ball in dangerous positions, while Pirates repeatedly looked capable of exploiting space on the counter-attack.

With 10 minutes remaining, Thapelo Mokobodi helped set another sweeping move in motion. Appollis then supplied Mbuthuma, who completed the attack to make it 3-0 and effectively settle the contest.

Mbuthuma added further gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time, finding the net again to complete his brace and cap a convincing victory for the Buccaneers.

The win leaves Pirates top of the Premiership ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns’ meeting with Milford FC on Wednesday.

Pirates will not have long to enjoy their latest league success, with their focus now switching to continental competition. They travel to Mauritius this weekend to face La Cure in the CAF Champions League.

Four goals and three points provided another early statement from the defending champions, who are building momentum at the top of the table.