Orlando Pirates climbed to the top of the Betway Premiership table on Saturday after dismantling AmaZulu 3-0 at Orlando Stadium, a result that repositions the Buccaneers as genuine title contenders heading into the final stretch of the season.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side had been under pressure following a 2-2 draw against Richards Bay the previous weekend, but any lingering doubts about their title credentials were emphatically put to rest with a disciplined and clinical display against a side that offered little in response.
Pirates imposed themselves from the opening minutes. Yanela Mbuthuma gave the hosts the lead on 14 minutes, directing a header from a Tshepang Moremi cross into the net to reward the early pressure his side had applied. AmaZulu struggled to establish any meaningful foothold, and on the stroke of half-time, Oswin Appollis doubled the advantage, finishing off a well-weighted pass from Relebohile Mofokeng to send Pirates into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.
The contest was effectively over before the hour mark. Mofokeng, who had already contributed an assist, added his name to the scoresheet on 59 minutes with a clinical finish inside the box to complete a 3-0 victory that was never seriously in doubt.
Mofokeng was the standout performer on the afternoon, registering both a goal and an assist in what proved to be a match-winning contribution. The young midfielder’s influence drew significant praise from the Pirates faithful, with one supporter writing: “No one in PSL history is better than this boy!!!!! ngeke bandla ngyala!!” Another added: “As long as Mofokeng is still at OP, nobody is going to bench him in that 10 position. Not even Tito – no one.”
Appollis also drew attention from supporters, with calls already emerging for both him and Mofokeng to feature prominently in the upcoming Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs. “Mofokeng and Appollis must start against Kaizer Chiefs,” one fan stated.
The victory alters the complexion of the title race. Pirates now occupy top spot in the Betway Premiership, though Mamelodi Sundowns — the reigning champions who have dominated South African football in recent years — hold two games in hand, meaning the Tshwane club retain a significant advantage in the race for the title. “Congratulations Pirates – now you have to hope that Sundowns loses and draws a match,” one supporter acknowledged, reflecting the calculated arithmetic that still favours Sundowns despite their current league position.
For AmaZulu, the result represents a damaging blow to their ambitions in the upper reaches of the table. The Durban-based club remain fourth in the standings, behind Kaizer Chiefs, and their prospects of breaking into the top three have been considerably weakened by this defeat.
Orlando Pirates’ next significant fixture is the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, a match that will carry added weight given the current title dynamics. Whether Sundowns’ games in hand ultimately prove decisive remains to be seen, but Pirates have served notice that they intend to push the champions all the way to the final day.
