Relebohile Mofokeng bagged his first professional hat-trick as Orlando Pirates dismantled TS Galaxy 6-0 to reclaim the top spot in the Betway Premiership.
The victory, at a buzzing Mbombela Stadium on Sunday afternoon, saw Pirates leapfrog Mamelodi Sundowns to the top of the log with a one-point lead, though the Brazilians still have a game in hand. The advantage remains firmly with Sundowns but Pirates nevertheless made a strong statement in Mbombela with their demolition of the Rockets.
Pirates’ Title Ambitions
The win keeps Pirates in the hunt for the R20 million winner’s prize. For Galaxy, this wasn’t only an embarrassment, but a continuation of their troubles in the league as they’ve now gone seven games without a win. Having held onto the No 1 spot for the better part of the season, Pirates must have thought they would arrive in the last quarter of the season with their destiny firmly in their hands.
But lapses in concentration and inexperience have held them back. As such, they travelled to Nelspruit needing to swing the pendulum back into their favour amid Sundowns’ continental commitments. They did just that, taking control of matters from as early as the fifth minute. According to the Orlando Pirates Wikipedia page, the team has been working hard to improve their performance.
Match Highlights
Continuing to be trusted in the No 9 role ahead of Bafana international Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma repaid the faith Abdeslam Ouaddou showed in him, unleashing Tshepang Moremi on goal. The pacy attacker, with only Galaxy goalkeeper Tape Ira to beat, was stopped in his tracks by a late tackle from Lentswe Motaung. Referee Jelly Chavani did not hesitate in showing Motaung a red card, as he was the last man.
Mofokeng took the set-piece, placing his effort into the top corner. From thereon, Pirates tore Galaxy apart. Deployed in the No 10 role, Mofokeng embraced the position, not only grabbing three goals but allowing Mbuthuma and Andre de Jong to make runs up front. Ira and his defence could not contain Pirates, even though it took until the 41st minute for the Sea Robbers to get their second goal, with Moremi hitting a long-distance, hard, low shot which beat the Ivorian at his near post.
- Mofokeng scored a hat-trick
- Pirates won 6-0 against TS Galaxy
- The team is now top of the Betway Premiership log
Pirates had been camped in Galaxy’s half, making neat passes, and that played its part in their scoring a third goal just before half-time. In a bid to halt Pirates’ press, the Rockets’ Mlungisi Mbunjana made a backpass without realising that Tape was flat-footed; the ball instead rolled into the back of the net. For more information on the Betway Premiership, visit the official PSL website.
