Linda Ximba
Orlando Pirates bounced back from Mamelodi Sundowns’ 3-0 drubbing last week in emphatic style when they thumped Black Leopards 3-0 in a one-sided DStv Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium on Thursday night.
In the process Pirates plunged Leopards deeper into the relegation quagmire as the defeat saw them stuck in last place of the log standings, with 18 points from 26 matches.
It was a sweet revenge for Pirates who suffered a 2-0 loss against Lehlohonolo Seema’s side in Venda in the first round. The win has increased chances for The Ghosts to qualify for a place in the Caf Confederations Cup next season. They have leapfrogged Moroka Swallows to fourth place with 42 points from 25 matches.
From the onset Josef Zinnbauer’s charges showed they meant business and wanted to restore some dignity by taking the game to the visitors.
Their goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands was able to go on holiday as busy bees Wayde Jooste and Deon Hotto wreaked havoc on both Leopard flanks with their darting runs.
Their combination with midfielders Kabelo Dlamini and Nkanyiso Zungu caused anxious moments for the Leopards defence manned by Ghanaian Edwin Gymah.
The first goal finally came in the 47th minute when Tshegofatso Mabasa tapped in from a Jooste cross.
Mabasa completed his brace in the 66th when he finished off a second chance following a corner kick by Zungu. His initial header was prevented by a goalpost, but he was athletic enough to make a follow up to cap what was an impressive night for him.
Substitute Gabadhino Mhango, who came on for midfielder Abel Mabaso, hit the final nail in Leopards coffin by expertly finishing following a cross by fellow left back sub Thabiso Sesame.
While the win should serve as morale booster for Pirates who aim to clinch Confederations glory, for Leopards it means they must come up with a way to escape the dreaded axe.
Picture source: @orlandopirates
