Hat-trick destroys Rockets

A FIRST professional hat-trick from Relebohile Mofokeng has reaffirmed Orlando Pirates’ title ambitions, as they thrashed TS Galaxy 6-0 to return to the summit of the Betway Premiership standings.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

The victory, at a buzzing Mbombela Stadium yesterday afternoon, saw Pirates leapfrog Mamelodi Sundowns to the top of the log with a one-point lead, though the Brazilians still have a game in hand.

The advantage remains firmly with Sundowns, but Pirates nevertheless made a strong statement in Mbombela with their demolition of the Rockets.

The win keeps Pirates in the hunt for the R20 million winner's prize. For Galaxy, this wasn’t only an embarrassment, but a continuation of their troubles in the league as they've now gone seven games without a win.

Having held onto the No 1 spot for the better part of the season, Pirates must have thought they would arrive in the last quarter of the season with their destiny firmly in their hands.

However, lapses in concentration and inexperience have held them back.

As such, they travelled to Nelspruit needing to swing the pendulum back into their favour amid Sundowns’ continental commitments.