Orlando Pirates strengthen Betway Premiership lead with 4-0 win over Kruger United

Orlando Pirates moved three points clear at the top of the Betway Premiership after a convincing 4-0 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium, with Yanela Mbuthuma scoring twice to complete a dominant display by the defending champions.

The Buccaneers made an aggressive start as they looked to put Kruger United under pressure from the opening minutes. Their approach produced an early reward when Kamogelo Sebelebele was fouled inside the penalty area in the third minute.

Ghampani Lungu took responsibility from the spot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Pirates the lead. The goal was Lungu’s second in the league this season and continued his recent good form.

However, the Zambia international’s involvement ended shortly afterwards. Lungu was forced off in the 13th minute after suffering an injury, with Bafana Bafana international Oswin Appollis coming on as his replacement.

Pirates retained control for the remainder of the first half and went into the interval 1-0 ahead. Kruger United struggled to build sustained pressure, while the visitors remained the more threatening side.

Nine minutes after the restart, Pirates doubled their advantage. Appollis produced a precise pass to split the Kruger United defence, allowing Boitumelo Radiopane to finish the move and make it 2-0.

The defending champions continued to enjoy the greater share of possession as the second half progressed. Kruger United repeatedly surrendered the ball in important areas of the pitch, leaving Pirates with opportunities to attack quickly on the counter.

With 10 minutes remaining in normal time, Thapelo Mokobodi created the opening for a third goal with an excellent pass to Appollis. The Bafana Bafana international then supplied Mbuthuma, who finished the move to put Pirates 3-0 ahead.

That goal appeared to settle the contest, but Mbuthuma still had time to add another. He struck again in the second minute of stoppage time to complete his brace and make it 4-0.

The result leaves Orlando Pirates at the summit of the Betway Premiership, three points ahead of their nearest challengers. Mamelodi Sundowns have the opportunity to respond when they host Milford FC tomorrow.

Pirates will turn their attention to the CAF Champions League next weekend. They are scheduled to travel to face Mauritius side La Cure away from home.

The victory underlined Pirates’ control of the match from the early stages, while Kruger United were unable to recover after conceding the opening penalty. Lungu’s injury was the only setback for the Buccaneers during a game in which their pressure, possession and counter-attacking threat consistently troubled their opponents.