Orlando Pirates moved three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns after beating Kruger United 4-0 in a league match decided by a strong second-half display.
Ghampani Lungu gave Pirates an early lead from the penalty spot in the fourth minute, but Kruger United created chances of their own before the interval.
Mphote headed over the crossbar and another Kruger effort was cleared off the line, while Malatji struck the woodwork as the visitors threatened to level.
Pirates took control after the break. Boitumelo Radiopane doubled the lead in the 54th minute before Yanela Mbuthuma scored twice, finding the net in the 79th minute and again in stoppage time.
The result gave Pirates a fourth win from their opening five matches, alongside one draw. They finished the night three points ahead of Sundowns, who were due to face Milford FC on Wednesday.
The scoreline was emphatic, although the first half offered Kruger United opportunities that could have changed the direction of the contest. Pirates’ finishing after the restart ultimately created the gap between the sides.
The Soweto club will now look to carry that form into its next fixture as the early league standings begin to take shape.
