On Wednesday, 03 March, Monnapule Saleng bagged a hat-trick as Orlando
Pirates returned to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over Swallows FC in
the original Soweto Derby.
The DStv Premiership clash, which took place at Dobsonville Stadium, saw
Pirates make four changes to the side that narrowly lost to Kaizer Chiefs,
as Makhehlene Makhaula was handed his first start alongside recalls for
Deon Hotto, Kabelo Dlamini and Sandile Mthethwa.
Pirates had the perfect start after Saleng gave them the lead with only
six minutes on the clock with a cheeky backheel at the near post after a
low cross by Dlamini.
The game got too congested in midfield after that, with neither side
unable to find clarity in their play but Saleng nearly doubled the lead
for Jose Riveiro’s charges on 26 minutes with a volleyed shot that missed
the gaping net after bad communication between goalkeeper Thakasani
Mbanjwa and his defence.
FT
Swallows 1️⃣-4️⃣ Pirates
Shwabule ⚽️
Saleng ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Dzvukamanja ⚽️#DStvPrem #UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/JpMn4aiFi0— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) March 3, 2023
Ernst Middendorp’s Swallows advanced high up the pitch a couple of times
towards the interval and Tawanda Macheke found the back of the net with a
shot from a loose ball after a cross in the box but the goal was
disallowed for an offside.
Pirates were quick out of the blocks after the break and doubled their
lead two minutes in after a cross by Saleng caught the Swallows defence
square and Terrence Dzvkumanja saw his shot deflect in off Mthokozisi
Shwabule.
The Buccaneers advanced further ahead on the hour-mark after Saleng made
it 3-0 with a tap-in from a cross by Dlamini to complete his brace.
Riveiro refreshed his attack with a double change with 16 minutes
remaining, as Kermit Erasmus and Marou Souaibou were brought on in places
of Dlamini and Thembinkosi Lorch.
The Birds had more intensity going forward, as Shwabule pulled a goal back
a minute later with a first-time shot in the box that found the bottom
corner after a cross by Tlakusani Mthethwa.
The night would belong to Saleng, who raced clear on goal in stoppage time
from a through ball and fired a low strike past Mbanjwa to complete his
hat-trick against his former side.
The 4-1 win saw Pirates close the gap behind second-placed SuperSport
United to just two points in third place on the log, while Swallows find
themselves in 14th position.
