By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates responded to last weekend’s CAF Champions League disappointment against CS Disciples in emphatic style with a 4-0 win at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
After being frustrated to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of this first preliminary round away, the Buccaneers picked themselves up on home soil to reach the next phase.
Tshegofatso Mabasa opened the scoring for the Buccaneers nine minutes into the match and Relebohile Mofokeng doubled their advantage in the 24th minute.
Patrick Maswanganyi was to add his name on the scoresheet four minutes later to hand the Soweto giants a commanding 3-0 first-half lead before Karim Kimvuidi rounded up the big win in stoppage time.
Coach Jose Riveiro made slight changes to the team that started in the first leg, bringing in centre-back Thabiso Monyane, Mbatha and Kabelo Dlamini.
That saw Nkosinathi Sibisi, Makhehlene Makhaula and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo being sacrificed.
From the first minute, the Buccaneers were on top of proceedings and hinted at a high-scoring evening with Deon Hotto being a big threat although the visitors’ Tendry Randrianarijaona almost killed their momentum by closely missing target early on.
Pirates were then duly rewarded in no time when Mabasa unleashed an impressive volley which gave the Disciples goalkeeper no chance.
Maswanganyi then combined with Mofokeng for the latter to easily finish and double the Soweto giant’s advantage.
It did not take long for Maswanganyi to register his name on the scoresheet with a beautiful curler which nestled into the top corner.
The goal sapped away Disciples’ hopes of a comeback although they tried to be a bit stubborn in the second half.
But Pirates maintained their defensive discipline and Monnapule Saleng had a goal ruled out to have been scored from an offside position on 72 minutes.
Substitute Kimvuidi then made it a big win by finding the back of the net at the second attempt of his initial blocked shot deep into stoppage time.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha trying to beat a Disciples player
Source: Orlando Pirates
