Mhango Hat-trick Gives Orlando Pirates Cutting Edge Over Polokwane City

Orlando Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango grabbed a brilliant hat-trick to go top of the Absa Premiership goalscoring charts whilst the Bucaneers moved to 5th position on the Absa Premership log standings.

The Malawian born striker helped Orlando Pirates rout Polokwane City 4-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night.

Mhango’s first goals were two beautiful looped shots in the 5th and 14th minute after getting delightful passes from midfielder Luvuyo Memela.

Mhango grabbed his hat-trick in the 36th minute after Abel Mabaso broke down the right-hand side with some impressive pace and squared the ball in to the box for Pirates lethal forward to complete a simple finish at the back post.

The other strike was scored by Bucs midfielder Ben Motshwari after a defensive mistake by Polokwane defence on the stroke of half-time.

The hosts pulled a goal back in the 64th minute. Having missed a penalty in the first half, Mohamed Anas made amends when he tapped in Salulani Phiri’s cross-cum-shot back across goal.

This was the third match for Bucs coach Josef Zinnbauer who won his first match 3-1 against Black Leopards, drew with Celtic on Saturday before this comprehensive thrashing of Polokwane City.

Pirates are now in fifth spot with 24 points and 11 shy off early pacesetters and arch Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.

By Gerald Dandah