Orlando Pirates bounced back to winning ways in the DStv Premiership in style as they hammered Swallows FC 4-1 at Dobsonville Stadium on Friday night.
Despite the win, the Buccaneers remained third on the league standings, but they are now two points behind second-placed SuperSport United. Bucs will now face Venda FA in a Nedbank Cup Last 16 match on 11 March.
Amaswaiswai, on the other hand, remained 14th on the league standings and they will now take on Golden Arrows on 17 March as they have been eliminated from the Nedbank Cup.
It took just six minutes for Monnapule Saleng to break the deadlock when he turned home Kabelo Dlamini's cross to hand Pirates a 1-0 lead, with the Swallows defence exposed.
Monnapule Saleng is just too special ?? pic.twitter.com/qJ4qfibWtG
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) March 3, 2023
Amaswaiswai launched attacks as they searched for the equalising goal, but the visitors stood firm at the back and the first half ended with Pirates leading thanks to Saleng's well-taken goal.
The Buccaneers started the second half brightly and Terrence Dzvukamanja doubled Pirates' lead to make it 2-0 in the 47th minute, with Saleng providing the assist for the goal.
Dlamini was also having a good game and the left-footed playmaker grabbed his second assist of the game when he set up Saleng, who netted to make it 3-0 to Pirates on the hour-mark.
Swallows did grab a late goal when substitute Mthokozisi Shwabule netted with 14 minutes left on the clock to make it 3-1, with the Buccaneers' defence exposed.
Saleng completed his hat-trick and excellent performance on the night with a 92nd-minute goal to secure a 4-1 victory for the away side.
Untouchable Saleng!
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) March 3, 2023
2 goals and an assist for Monnapule Saleng tonight, what more can Orlando Pirates ask for? ?? pic.twitter.com/IUnHqXJ5Jf