Orlando Pirates returned to the summit of the Betway Premiership with a commanding 3โ0 victory over AmaZulu FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers made a couple of changes to their starting line-up following their previous outing against Richards Bay FC, recalling Nkosikhona Ndaba and Makhehlene Makhaula. Usuthu, meanwhile, introduced Wandile Dube in place of the suspended Nkosikhona Radebe.
The hosts showed early intent and took the lead in the 14th minute. Yanela Mbuthuma rose to meet a cross from Tshepang Moremi and guided a header into the bottom corner, registering his fifth league goal of the campaign.
AmaZulu struggled to recover from the early setback, with Mbuthuma coming close to doubling the lead soon after, only to be denied by goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela from close range.
Pirates eventually doubled their advantage just before the halftime break. Oswin Appollis displayed neat footwork on the edge of the box before firing a powerful effort into the bottom corner.
Usuthu responded with changes at the start of the second half, introducing Mlondi Mbanjwa and Andiswa Sithole in an attempt to shift momentum. However, Pirates remained firmly in control and extended their lead through Relebohile Mofokeng, who combined well with Ndaba before curling a composed finish into the near corner.
Mofokeng had an opportunity to add a fourth from the penalty spot after a handball by Tariq Fielies, but his effort struck the underside of the crossbar. He remained a constant threat late on, forcing another save from Mzimela, who also denied substitute Patrick Maswanganyi in stoppage time to limit further damage.
The result sees Pirates reclaim top spot in the standings with a dominant and assured performance. Meanwhile, AmaZulu remain in fourth position, a result that halts their momentum but keeps them firmly in contention near the top of the table.