PSL Footballer of the Season nominee Monnapule Saleng completely destroyed AmaZulu as Orlando Pirates won 4-0 in the last game of the season at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Saleng set up two goals in the first half and was on the score sheet himself, as Pirates overrun AmaZulu in the first 45 minutes.
In fact, Saleng should have scored early in the game, but he missed from close range. But he made things better a few minutes later to set up Thabiso Monyane who beat Jody February at the near post in the fifth minute.
The second goal came via Relebohile Ratomo, who scored his first senior goal in the 36th minute, as Pirates ran riot at AmaZulu.
The former Swallows winger got himself on the score-sheet, as Pirates added a third four minute later, with the Bucs scoring three goals from different players in the first half for the second time in the PSL era.
Kabelo Dlamini scored the fourth later in the 81st minute following a superb counter, to crush AmaZulu.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro left out players like Miguel Timm, Thabang Monare and Dlamini on the bench, while Thapelo Xoki was suspended.
That is because Pirates have the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United at Loftus Stadium next Saturday.
Ratomo, who has been brilliant for the Bucs’ team that missed out on the DStv Diski Challenge title, made his second start.
In what was a lively crowd at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Saleng, who has a good memory of playing in this venue, was enjoying himself.
Having missed the early chance, the PSL Footballer of the Year nominee, set up Monyane who beat February from the acute angle at the far post.
Saleng was feeling good. Whenever he had the ball, the crowd was on his back, having scored the winner in this venue in the MTN8 final in November last year against AmaZulu.
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Usuthu, wearing their second home strip, were ripped apart, not only by the score but with possession. Even when Dumisani Zuma robbed Sandile Mthethwa, Nkosinathi Sibisi quickly mopped up.
As Pirates kept on flying, Ratomo side-footed his first goal for Pirates in the 36th minute from Saleng’s pass, as Pirates completely overrun Usuthu.
There were question marks whether the ball from Saleng had crossed the line, but the former Free State Stars winger looked to have caught it in time.
Saleng didn’t want to be left out in the party, adding a third in the 40th minute to crown his day, caressing the ball past hapless February in what was a blitz of attacks.
In the second half, Pirates camped on in Usuthu’s half and Monyane was unlucky not to have scored a third as the ball rattled the upright.
Fans of Usuthu, who were outnumbered by that of Pirates, were left in despair as their team was thoroughly defeated. Dlamini scored the fourth to leave Bucs fans delirium.
Pirates, who were also boosted by the return of their star player Thembinkosi Lorch who arrived in the second half, will participate in the CAF Champions League as they have finished second in the league table.
