Tshegofatso Mabasa achieved a hat-trick as Orlando Pirates overwhelmed Marumo Gallants with an 8-1 victory at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers began the match energetically, netting an early goal in the first five minutes, thanks to an own goal from Kenneth Nthatheni.

The match was halted in the fifth minute due to a torrential downpour on the pitch. Action resumed at 15:30, and the Buccaneers nearly scored again in the eighth minute, but Relebohile Mofokeng was adjudged offside by the assistant referee.

Gallants began to find their rhythm in the 15th minute, but Phathutshedzo Nange’s header was easily saved by Sipho Chaine.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa maintained the pressure, securing a goal in the 23rd minute from former Pirates striker, Gabadinho Mhango.

Immediately after Mhango’s goal, the Buccaneers almost doubled their lead, but Trevor Mathiane made a vital tackle to thwart Mabasa’s chance. The first half ended in a 1-1 deadlock. Upon returning for the second half, Riveiro’s squad powered through, securing two rapid goals within the first ten minutes.

Mabasa added two more goals to his tally, with assists coming from full-backs Deano Van Rooyen and Deon Hotto. In the 59th minute, Van Rooyen, the former Stellenbosch right-back, scored the fourth goal for the Buccaneers, assisted by promising talent, Mohau Nkota.

The 2023/24 Golden Boot contender, Mabasa, completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute with a brilliant header from a corner taken by Kabelo Dlamini. Thalente Mbatha then scored the sixth goal for Pirates in the 70th minute, stretching the lead to 6-1.

Pirates continued their impressive display, seeking more goals, and Mbatha found the net again, marking his second goal of the match at 7-1.

Paseka Mako, who came on during the second half, provided the assist for Mbatha’s second goal. The home team was awarded a penalty in the 89th minute, which Boitumelo Radiopane calmly converted, closing the match at 8-1. This represents the largest victory for Pirates in the PSL era, surpassing their previous 7-1 win against Golden Arrows last season.

This triumph keeps the Buccaneers in the race with Mamelodi Sundowns, who achieved a 1-0 win over AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the other match on Tuesday, extending their lead to 27 points after 10 matches. Notably, Pirates still have a game in hand.