Orlando Pirates deliver record thrashing to TS Galaxy to claim top spot

Pirates now lead the table by a single point over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, while also improving their goal difference substantially, a factor that might prove vital by the seasons conclusion.

That said, they have now completed an additional match compared to their main title challengers.

This marks the heaviest loss ever for Galaxy, who had never before suffered a defeat by a margin exceeding three goals, and it stands as Pirates largest away victory in the PSL period.

Quick red card

Galaxy found themselves a man down right from the start when defender Lentswe Motaung was dismissed for a deliberate foul within the opening four minutes. A pass forward left Tshepang Moremi in on goal, and Motaung extended a leg aiming for the ball but instead felled the attacker. The referee, Jelly Chavani, correctly judged it a professional foul and showed the red card.

Mofokengs treble

Mofokeng opened the scoring for Pirates directly from the ensuing free kick. Positioned centrally just beyond the area, he curled the ball elegantly into the upper corner of the goal.

Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana manager, views him primarily as a number ten supporting the forward rather than a wide player.

Similar to Themba Zwane.

After the interval, the creative talent netted his second as Oswin Appollis displayed fine skill inside the penalty area to open up room for Mofokeng, who outmanoeuvred his marker and struck the shot beyond Tape.

The goalkeeper then erred again for the third, the Ivorian failing to grasp Mofokengs attempt as it slipped through his gloves.

This treble represents the first of Mofokengs professional career and sustains his impressive run of form, netting seven times across competitions since late January. His strikes have varied in nature, highlighting his adaptability.

Moremi doubles the lead

Moremi, enjoying a strong goalscoring streak this term, made it two nil with a firm drive into the lower corner.

He gathered possession some 35 yards out and unleashed a shot from range, with Galaxy custodian Ira Tape possibly delayed in spotting the ball amid the crowd of bodies.

Farce of an own goal

Pirates third goal was among the most absurd you could witness, utterly astonishing.

Tape appeared to stumble over his own legs and ended up prone on the pitch as Mlungisi Mbunjana returned the ball to him, unaware of the keepers predicament. The ball rolled gently past the fallen shot stopper. It was as odd as they come.

Former Rocket bags number five

Following Mofokengs fourth, Kamogelo Sebelebele added the fifth with an excellent effort. Found unmarked in plenty of room on the right inside the box, he rifled the ball across goal into the opposite corner.

It was his initial strike since August and naturally arrived versus his old club. He transferred to Pirates from Galaxy ahead of this campaign.