Orlando Pirates return to summit with dominant AmaZulu victory

The Soweto giants showed clear intent from the outset, eager to move past their frustrating 2-2 draw with Richards Bay FC, a result that had briefly stalled their title charge.

The win sees Pirates climb to 58 points at the summit, two ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, although the Pretoria side still hold two games in hand. For Usuthu, the defeat dents their ambitions of securing a top-three finish, leaving them fourth on 39 points after 25 matches.

Pirates made a bright start, with Oswin Appollis testing goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela early on with a long-range effort that was well parried. The breakthrough came soon after when Yanela Mbuthuma rose to meet a delivery from Tshepang Moremi, guiding a header into the bottom corner.

The Buccaneers maintained control, with Kamogelo Sebelebele going close after being set up by Masindi Nemtajela. Mbuthuma nearly doubled his tally before the break, only to be denied again by Mzimela.

AmaZulu struggled to create clear opportunities, and Pirates capitalised just before half-time. Appollis showcased quick footwork on the edge of the box before firing home to make it 2-0 at the interval.

Pirates carried their momentum into the second half, and it was Relebohile Mofokeng who added the third in the 59th minute, finishing confidently to cap another impressive display.

Despite late efforts to extend the lead further, including a missed penalty by Mofokeng and a series of saves from Mzimela to deny Patrick Maswanganyi, Pirates remained firmly in control.

In the end, it was a dominant performance from Abdeslam Ouaddou's side, underlining their title credentials as the race for the Betway Premiership crown intensifies.