Orlando Pirates were in a rampant mood as they thrashed Stellenbosch FC 4-1 in DStv Premiership action on Sunday afternoon.
Kabelo Dlamini, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Deon Hotto, Thabang Monare and Kermit Erasmus returned for Pirates, as Stellies were without influential figure Junior Mendieta through suspension.
Pirates made an inspired start on seven minutes and Monare towered high on the edge of the six-yard area to head in a pin-point free-kick from Hotto.
Shaky defending by Stellenbosch allowed the host to step in and unleash some deliveries towards the goal, with goalkeeper Sage Stephens forced to palm a floating corner.
Stephens though gifted the Buccaneers a second goal when he mis-judged a high ball from the right, granting captain Innocent Maela the opportunity to slot in an empty net.
Pirates were keen to add more after the half-hour mark when Bandile Shandu sneaked in behind from Ndlondlo's through ball and fired against the foot of the far post.
It was the host with the momentum ahead of halftime as Monnapule Saleng fired over from close range following a shot on the turn, while Steve Barker's troops failed to trouble goalkeeper Sipho Chaine at the other end.
Stellenbosch made two substitutions before the second half with Sinethemba Mngomezulu on for Antonio Van Wyk and Devon Titus withdrawn for Mervin Boji.
The Buccaneers still made it three over 12 minutes from the break when Saleng ran onto Sipho Chaine's long pass, cut inside and crossed for Erasmus to bring under control and slot in comfortably.Pirates didn't drop momentum around the closing period and made it four after Ndlondlo received Dlamini's low pass and fired in the bottom corner from way outside the area.
With the match flowing away, Stellies got one back in the final 15 minutes where Boji rose high in the area and nodded in from a well-taken corner-kick.
Pirates, though, got chances to make it five with substitute Terrence Dzvukamanja in particular, but he missed and still cruised to victory in the end.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Shandu, Xoki, Sibisi, Maela, Ndlondlo, Monare, Hotto, Dlamini, Erasmus, Saleng
Subs: Mpontshane, Mabena, Pule, Dzvukamanja, Martin, Mako, Mosele, Makgopa, Motshwari.
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Makhanya, Mcaba, Van Rooyen, Mthethwa, Nduli, Letsoenyo, Jabaar, Adams, Titus, Van Wyk
Subs: Langeveldt, Mgaga, Boji, Hahn, Mngomezulu, Weaver, Khunyedi, Andries, Sibande
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