Staff Reporter.
Monnapule Saleng netted hatrick for orlando Pirates, who defeated Swallows FC 4-1 in the orginal Soweto derby at the Dobsonville stadium on Friday evening.
Pirates got off to the perfect start as Saleng broke the deadlock just six minuted into the game after being set-up by Kabelo Dlamini.
Swallows launched several attacks as they looked to level matters, but the visitors stood firm at the back and the first-half ended with Pirates leading 1-0 at half-time.
It took just two minutes for Terrence Dzvukamanja to double Pirates’ lead after the restart as the Zimbabwe international netted his third goal of the season with Saleng providing the assist.
Amaswaiswai were struggling to contain Bucs’ pacey front-three Thembinkosi Lorch, Dzvukamanja and Saleng who grabbed his brace on the hour-mark to extend Bucs’ lead.
The hosts launched late attacks as they looked to pull one back and they did score through Mthokozisi Shwabule who netted in the 76th minute after the away side was caught napping at the back.
However, Saleng was not done yet as the left-footed player grabbed his maiden hat-trick in the PSL when netted in stoppage time to seal Pirates’ emphatic 4-1 win over Swallows.
The Bafana Bafana international grabbed a hat-trick to take his tally to 12 goals from 18 matches across all competitions in the current season and he also walked away with his ninth Man of the Match accolade for this term.
Saleng played a vital role in helping the Buccaneers clinch the MTN8 title and he also picked up Man of Match awards in the PSL and Nedbank Cup this term.
This makes the 2020-21 NFD Golden Boot winner a potential candidate for the PSL Footballer of the Season award.
Despite the victory, Buccaneers remained third on the PSL standings, but they are now two points behind second-placed SuperSport United who have a game in hand.