Mbuthuma’s Sensational Chip Seals Pirates Rout Over Kruger United
Orlando Pirates extended their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership with a convincing 4-0 victory over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
Yanela Mbuthuma scored twice, including a memorable fourth goal when he flicked the ball over goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who had come off his line. The striker had also played a key role in Pirates’ 3-0 MTN8 semifinal second-leg victory over Sekhukhune United, providing two assists.
The victory keeps the Buccaneers top of the table with 13 points from five matches. Pirates entered the game unbeaten in the league and high on confidence after securing their place in the MTN8 final on Saturday, where they will face Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates made a dream start, taking the lead inside three minutes. Ghampani Lungu calmly converted from the penalty spot after Kamogelo Sebelebele was brought down inside the box.
The goal was Lungu’s fourth of the season, underlining his importance to the Buccaneers’ strong start to the campaign. However, his night was cut short when he was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 13th minute, with Oswin Appollis coming on as his replacement.
United refused to be discouraged and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their best opportunity came in the 16th minute when Aphiwe Mpothe headed a cross over the bar.
Pirates had a chance to double their advantage in the 35th minute after a quick counter-attack, but Sebelebele’s effort went narrowly wide.
As the half progressed, United grew in confidence and began to dominate possession, putting the Pirates defence under increasing pressure. Despite creating several promising opportunities, they were unable to find the finishing touch.
Pirates went into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage.
The second half resumed with the home side continuing to dominate possession, but their control of the game was not enough to produce a goal.
In the 53rd minute, Boitumelo Radiopane doubled Pirates’ advantage after receiving a through ball from Appollis and calmly placing his effort into the back of the net.
Appollis came close to adding to the scoreline in the 71st minute but missed a tap-in, shooting wide. However, he made amends eight minutes later when he provided another assist, setting up Mbuthuma, who finished with a tap-in to score his first goal of the season.
Mbuthuma then completed a memorable cameo by adding another goal late on, including a composed finish over Ntwari, to seal a convincing 4-0 victory for Pirates.
