Mofokeng and Appollis shine as Pirates hit five past Arrows

Orlando Pirates superstars Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis hit a brace each to push the Buccaneers to 54 points after 23 games.

Despite the result, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side remain in second place after Mamelodi Sundowns edged Durban City 1-0 at the Chatsworth Stadium to stay top with 56 points.

ORLANDO PIRATES DOMINATE GOLDEN ARROWS

The Buccaneers came out flying, setting the tone from the very first whistle with aggressive pressing and a high tempo that immediately pinned their opponents back.

It took just 40 seconds for the first warning sign as Mofokeng rattled the post. Orlando Pirates kept knocking, with Oswin Appollis firing over from range, while Kamogelo Sebelebele found the side netting from inside the box.

The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute. Mofokeng produced a moment of magic, unleashing a from the left flank to make it 1-0.

Orlando Pirates didn’t slow down. In the 29th minute, Appollis doubled the lead in style. Picking up a clever free-kick routine from near the halfway line, he took a touch to beat his marker before smashing a stunning effort into the bottom corner.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors just before the break. In the 35th minute, Masindi Nemtajela’s cross caused chaos in the box, eventually deflecting off Ayanda Maxwele and into his own net to hand Orlando Pirates a comfortable 3-0 lead.

CONTINUED CONTROL IN THE SECOND HALF

The second half followed the same script, total control from the Buccaneers. On the hour mark, Mofokeng grabbed his second of the night with a composed finish.

After collecting the ball near the edge of the box, he danced past two defenders before calmly placing a low shot into the far corner to make it 4-0, his fifth goal in just two games.

There was still time for one more. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Andre De Jong struck the post with a powerful effort, and Appollis reacted quickest to slam home the rebound and complete the 5-0 rout.

It was a complete performance from Orlando Pirates, sharp, clinical, and full of confidence as they continue their push in the Betway Premiership.

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Next up, the Sea Robbers travel to KwaZulu-Natal to face Richards Bay on Friday, 10 April at 19:30. Kabo Yellow’s win leaves them top with a with seven games left for each team.