Orlando Pirates remain top after 4-0 win over Kruger United

Orlando Pirates strengthened their grip on the Betway Premiership title race with a 4-0 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Tuesday night.

The result leaves Pirates top of the table on 13 points, three ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns. Sundowns have played one match fewer and will host Milford on Wednesday night.

The defending champions now turn their attention to continental competition, with a CAF Champions League preliminary-round first leg against La Cure Sylvester of Mauritius scheduled for away on Saturday afternoon at 13:30.

Reaching the Champions League group stage is a key objective for Pirates this season. Their previous campaign ended in disappointment when they were eliminated in the final qualifying round.

Pirates have made an impressive start in all competitions, winning six and drawing one of their first seven matches. They have also reached a fifth consecutive MTN8 final, and their performance against Kruger ensured that their momentum was not interrupted before their trip to Mauritius.

Kruger, meanwhile, remain bottom of the Betway Premiership standings with one point from five matches. The newcomers were unable to build on a spirited opening period, eventually suffering another heavy defeat.

Pirates took the lead early when Ghampani Lungu converted a penalty. Referee Joseph Makhubo awarded the spot-kick after consulting his assistant, who had identified Vusi Sibiya’s foul on Kamogelo Sebelebele inside the area.

The visitors’ progress was checked when Lungu, one of their most influential players, was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher after taking a knock. Oswin Appollis replaced him and added energy and creativity to the attack.

Kruger responded positively and began to create opportunities. Makhubo rejected their appeal for a penalty after Aphiwe Mphothe’s effort struck Lebone Seema’s arm. The decision appeared justified because Seema’s arm was close to his body.

The hosts continued to press and came close to an equaliser before the break. A diagonal delivery into the Pirates penalty area reached Mphothe, whose header was directed towards goal. Sibangani Zulu, with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine at full stretch, cleared the ball off the line.

Kruger then struck the post on the stroke of further danger when Ebrahim Seedat picked out the unmarked Mlungisi Zwane with a cross. Zwane’s shot hit the upright at the near post, leaving Pirates with their narrow advantage intact at half-time.

Having weathered that pressure, Pirates returned with greater attacking intent. Appollis found Boitumelo Radiopane, who kept his composure before finishing from close range to score in his second successive league match.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou subsequently introduced Yanela Mbuthuma and Simphiwe Selepe as Pirates looked for more attacking threat.

Mbuthuma made a decisive contribution from the substitutes’ role. After scoring twice against Sekhukhune United in last Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final, he doubled Pirates’ advantage by converting an assist from Appollis.

He then added another goal after beating Kruger’s offside trap, taking a moment to compose himself before lifting the ball over Fiacre Ntwari and into the net.

The two goals ended Mbuthuma’s recent scoring drought and completed a comfortable victory for Pirates, who remain in control at the top of the standings as they prepare for their Champions League campaign.