Monnapule Saleng inspired Orlando Pirates to a 4-1 win over Swallows in the Original Soweto Derby at Dobsonville Stadium on Friday evening.
After losing 1-0 through a late Olisa Ndah own goal in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs last week, the Nigeria international was a notable absence from the squad.
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However, Pirates started off in blistering fashion when Saleng opened the scoring with a stunning flick from a low cross sent in by Kabelo Dlamini that beat goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.
In what was an electric atmosphere, inside and outside the arena in Dobsonville, with thousands stuck outside in traffic, attempting to get into the stadium.
Pirates dominated possession with Jose Riveiro incredibly vocal on the touchline after his return from suspension but Ernst Middendorp’s side still held a threat on dead ball situations.
However, after the break, the threat was nullified as Pirates took control almost immediately after kickoff when Terrence Dzvukamanja netted his third of the season to double the lead.
And ten minutes later Saleng had his brace when Dlamini brought down a whipped cross and eased it into the area for the in-form Bafana Bafana winger to net a tap-in.
Mthokozisi Shwabule did, however, manage to restore the deficit to 3-1 but it proved nothing more than a consolation for the home side.
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Pirates did manage to score another, with Saleng completing his hat-trick after after being sent through by Kermit Erasmus.
The win moves Pirates two points behind second-placed SuperSport while the Dube Birds are still in 14th, three points off the relegation play-off spot occupied by Maritzburg United.
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