Nedbank Cup: Tshegofatso Mabasa grabs hat-trick as Orlando Pirates sink Baroka FC to advance into the quarter-finals and keep title defence bid on course

Orlando Pirates went ahead in the 29th minute when Tshegofatso Mabasa tapped in a Deon Hotto cross

Mabasa was back and this time to connect a Patrick Maswanganyi feed in stoppage time of the first half.

To cap a fine afternoon, Mabasa then unleashed a grounder from just inside the box and the provider was again Maswanganyi.

Sydney Malivha then grabbed Baroka's consolation goal as the match ended 3-1 in favour of Pirates.

The afternoon was illuminated by Mabasa who grabbed his hat-trick to fire the Buccaneers to the next round of this tournament.

The Pirates star is now the top goal-scorer of this tournament.

Baroka are out of the Nedbank Cup and hopes of emulating TS Galaxy as a team to win the Nedbank Cup while playing in the National First Division evaporated.

It was a difficult afternoon for them as their defenders struggled to contain a marauding Mabasa.

The Buccaneers will now resume their chase of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League with a visit to Golden Arrows on Wednesday.

Saturday's result was a morale booster they need going into the midweek fixture.