It’s a result that piled even more misery onto a Bloemfontein club stuck in a worrying downward spiral. The Buccaneers’ 12th win from 16 league outings not only stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 14 matches, but also opened up a six-point cushion at the summit. 

In contrast, Bahlabane ba Ntwa slumped to a sixth consecutive defeat across all competitions, their season unravelling at the worst possible time. They now sit 14th on the log with just 15 points from 18 matches, and both teams below them have at least a game in hand – a troubling sign for a side battling to steady the ship.

Ironically, Gallants nearly made the perfect start. Inside three minutes, former Pirate Katlego Otladisa burst through on goal, but his tame effort was diverted onto the post by Sipho Chaine – a let-off the hosts would quickly capitalise on.

Pirates struck soon after, slicing through down the right flank as Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng combined neatly. Mofokeng’s low delivery into the box was met by Yanela Mbuthuma, who applied the finishing touch from close range to make it 1-0.

The home side kept their foot on the accelerator. Masindi Nemtajela tested Washington Arubi from range soon after, but the Gallants goalkeeper reacted sharply to tip the ball over the bar.

The second goal arrived midway through the first half and carried a slice of fortune. Patrick Maswanganyi unleashed a low shot from outside the box, which deflected off defender Eroine Agnikoi, wrong-footing Arubi completely as the ball trickled into the net to double Pirates’ advantage.

A young Buccaneers fan. Photo: Morgan Piek

With control firmly in their hands, Pirates dictated proceedings for the remainder of the half. Ten minutes after the restart, coach José Riveiro rotated his squad, withdrawing both goal scorers for Evidence Makgopa and Tshepang Moremi.

Makgopa had a golden opportunity just after the hour mark following a slick passing sequence, but he fired well over with the goal at his mercy.

Gallants, desperate to snap their losing streak, struggled to muster any meaningful response. Substitute Jason Clifford had two attempts sail over the crossbar in the closing stages, but it summed up an afternoon where little went right for the visitors.

Pirates eventually put the contest beyond doubt in the 85th minute. Mofokeng, who had been lively throughout, glided into the box, skipped past defenders with confidence and calmly rifled his effort into the top corner – a fitting finish to underline Pirates’ dominance.

While Pirates march on with confidence and momentum, Gallants’ slide continues unchecked. Six straight defeats, mounting pressure near the foot of the table, and games in hand for their relegation rivals – the warning lights are flashing brightly for the Free Staters.

Meanwhile, over at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane City and Siwelele FC played to a 0-0 draw.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg