Orlando Pirates strengthened their position at the top of the league with a 4-0 victory over struggling Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, with Yanela Mbuthuma ending his recent goal drought by scoring twice.
Gamphani Lungu and Boitumelo Radiopane had already put the Buccaneers in control before Mbuthuma struck in the closing stages to complete a convincing win.
The result means Pirates have now gone 18 league matches without defeat, a sequence stretching back to February last season, when they were beaten 2-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates have opened a three-point advantage at the summit, although Sundowns can draw level on 13 points if they beat newly promoted Milford FC at Loftus on Wednesday.
For Kruger United, the defeat leaves them at the foot of the table after four losses and one draw. Their poor start has also been underlined by their lack of attacking output, with the side having scored only two goals so far.
Pirates needed just four minutes to take the lead. Kamogelo Sebelebele was brought down inside the penalty area, allowing Lungu to send goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari the wrong way from the spot.
It was Lungu’s second league goal of the season, but his evening was cut short after nine minutes when he was stretchered off following a collision with a United player. Oswin Appollis eventually replaced him after 13 minutes.
Kruger United came close to an equaliser in the 40th minute during one of their few attacking opportunities. Aphiwe Mphothe’s effort appeared to be heading into the net, but Pirates defender Tshepang Moremi cleared the ball off the line.
Pirates then extended their advantage eight minutes after the interval. Appollis released Radiopane, who kept his composure to guide the ball past Ntwari and give the visitors greater control of the contest.
Mbuthuma took over in the final stages, scoring twice to put the result beyond doubt and provide a timely boost after a difficult spell in front of goal. His goals are likely to increase his confidence while easing some of the criticism directed at him during his lean run.
The Buccaneers will now turn their attention to continental competition. Their next fixture is a Champions League preliminary stage tie against La Cure Waves of Mauritius at the weekend.
In the other match played on Tuesday, Stellenbosch FC and Durban City finished level in a goalless draw.
