Gracias, Jose Riveiro! Orlando Pirates thrash Golden Arrows to delay Mamelodi Sundowns' 15th PSL title celebrations

Orlando Pirates managed a commanding 3-0 Premier Soccer League win over Golden Arrows in a match staged at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, Bandile Shandu, and Kabelo Dlamini scored the goals to pile more pressure on struggling Arrows.

Meanwhile, Pirates broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Mabasa, who was handed a rare chance to lead Bucs' goal-hunting mission, struck. Relebohile Mofokeng provided the assist that saw the home side claim a deserved lead.

The Sea Robbers almost doubled the lead in the 19th minute, but Shandu's shot was deflected just wide.

However, they survived conceding an equaliser in the 20th minute when Arrows threatened, only for Mofokeng to make a decisive block to stop Nhlanhla Zwane.

Arrows allowed an unmarked Mohau Nkota to make a dangerous run down the flank, only for the winger's shot to hit the side netting in the 29th minute.

In the second minute of the added time before the half-time break, Dlamini spotted Deon Hotto, who made a promising run but eventually failed to beat Arrows' goalkeeper Ismail Watenga as he sent his effort over and wide.

Watenga pulled off a good save to stop Nkota in the 50th minute. The Pirates' winger was picked out by Mabasa, but the Ugandan custodian denied the home side a chance to score the second goal.

However, Watenga could not stop the Sea Robbers from doubling their lead when Shandu scored following persistent attacks from the home side in the 61st minute.

The Soweto giants extended their lead further when Dlamini scored from a precisely taken free kick in the 66th minute. Nkota was brought down just outside the box, giving Pirates an opportunity to score, and they did just that.

Pirates, second on the table, now have 55 points, 12 fewer points than league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who need a point to clinch the title. Arrows are 14th with 26 points.

Mabasa deserves all the applause that comes with his goal. Previously, he was overlooked as Evidence Makgopa was preferred to lead the striking department, and when he was given an opportunity, he did not disappoint.

The loss means Abafana Bes'thende failed to pull away from SuperSport United and join the top eight race.

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi is surely going to feel more pressure following the defeat.

The Sea Robbers will be back in action on May 17 when they will play TS Galaxy for another league game. Two away games will then follow as SuperSport United will host them on May 20 before an encounter against AmaZulu on May 24.

Finally, Bucs will host Magesi FC on May 28.

On the other hand, Arrows will be hosted by Richards Bay on May 17 before a final game against Sekhukhune United on May 24.