Orlando Pirates bounce back from MTN8 final defeat with 3-0 win over TS Galaxy

Orlando Pirates    1 (3)

Radiopane, Moremi, Masilela

TS Galaxy             0 (0)

Following their 2-0 MTN8 final loss on Saturday, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou vowed that the league defending champions would respond positively, insisting they still have plenty to fight for this season.

Pirates responded with a 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership encounter at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night.

Boitumelo Radiopane opened the scoring in the first half as he bagged his third goal of the season, with Tshepang Moremi and Simphiwe Masilela netting the second and third for the night.

Pirates lost to Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, missing out on a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 crown. However, Ouaddou made it clear he believes that defeat can provide valuable lessons as his team turns its attention to the four remaining competitions ahead of them.

The Buccaneers are still competing in the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout and CAF Champions League, with defending their league title remaining their top priority.

As it was, they had only two days of rest before returning to action, and the only acceptable result for their fans was to stamp their authority on the league race by keeping all three points at Esgodini.

The Buccaneers will face back-to-back matches against Namibian outfit African Stars in the CAF Champions League in the second qualifying round.

Ouaddou will lead his men away on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off, with the return leg at Orlando on Friday, October 23 in a 7pm kick-off.

The Galaxy clash was the Buccaneers' last league fixture before they meet their arch-rivals and fellow Sowetans, Kaizer Chiefs, in the big derby at Esgodini on October 31.

Ridding themselves of their MTN8 final sorrows as quickly as possible will be vital for their character and confidence with the derby looming large.

In another Premiership result on Tuesday, AmaZulu welcomed back Eric Tinkler with a 2-0 thumping of fellow Durbanites Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium.

Head coach Arthur Zwane will have been relieved to see different names on his side's scoresheet, with Mlondi Mbanjwa and Athini Maqokolo netting first-half goals to secure a lead at the break.