Monnapule Saleng’s hattrick helped Orlando Pirates beat Swallows 4-1 in the in the DStv Premiership match played at Dobsonville Stadium.
The Buccaneers welcomed back coach Jose Riveiro in the dugout who missed last week’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs due to suspension.
Saleng broke the deadlock with an exquisite back heel from Kabelo Dlamini’s cross to make the score 1-0.
The visitors started the second half putting the Swallows defence under pressure and on the 47th Terrence Dzvukamanja converted Saleng’s low cross to give the Buccaneers a 2-0 lead.
On the 60th, Thembinkosi Lorch’s long ball found Dlamini inside the box – the Bucs midfielder played a backwards pass for Saleng to make the score 3-0.
The Dube Birds reduced the deficit 14 minutes from time thanks to substitute Mthokozisi Shwabule who converted Tlakusani Mthethwa’s cross.
But on the 90th, Kermit Erasmus defence-splitting-pass from halfway line found Saleng, who planted the ball into the back of the net to give the Buccaneers a comfortable 4-1 victory.
Pirates are now two points behind Supersport United while Swallows are position 14 on the log.
By Zola Doda