Orlando Pirates have secured CAF Champions League football for next season with a 4-0 victory over AmaZulu on Saturday afternoon.
Nkosinathi Sibisi, James Monyane, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Relebohile Ratomo were recalled to the Pirates line-up following the draw with Sekhukhune United last weekend.
Monyane did make a welcome return to the playing contingent though as he managed to fire in a well-taken shot from a tight angle five minutes on the clock.
Pirates targeted a double in the matter of minutes with a teasing attempt off a smart angle by striker Kermit Erasmus, but he couldn’t beat goalkeeper Jody February.
The host began to find courage after the difficult start and saw their first decent opening come from a snap effort by Sibusiso Mabiliso, but he went wide of the target.
However, Pirates continued to stay calm and to their tally when Ratomo peeled off a smart delivery around the six-yard area to lash beyond February.
Pirates helped themselves to a third goal five minutes to halftime after a long ball in behind set Monnapule Saleng in and the winger went made no mistake with a composed finish.
The Soweto giants introduced a substitution at the start of the second half as Miguel Timm replaced Makhehlene Makhaula in the middle of the park.
With the ascendancy firmly intact, the Buccaneers looked to hold firm from their own half and thwart the host from getting a route back.
Pirates were under a bit of pressure over midway in the second half where a decent attempt off Bonginkosi Ntuli brought Sipho Chaine to work.
The Buccaneers did put the contest beyond doubt when substitute Kabelo Dlamini picked up a low cross from Terrence Dzvukamanja and slotted home from close range.
At the end, the Sea Robbers consolidated the remaining few minutes towards conclusion and picked up victory to finish the campaign in second spot
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: February, Gumede, Mabiliso, Mphahlele, Mobara, Malepe, Brooks, Maluleka, Ntuli, Ekstein, Zuma.
Subs: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Khumalo, Buchanan, Bwalya, Shange, Kunene, Ndlovu, Majoro
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Mthethwa, Mako, Monyane, Makhaula, Ndlondlo, Ratomo, Saleng, Dzvukamanja, Erasmus
Subs: Mpontshane, Maela, Timm, Dlamini, Motshwari, Hotto, Marou, Eva Nga, Lorch
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