Orlando Pirates hammer AmaZulu to secure Caf Champions League qualification

The Buccaneers put out a dominant all-round display to dispatch of AmaZulu and secure the second spot on the DStv Premiership table and Caf Champions League qualification for next season.

A shaky-looking AmaZulu found themselves on the back foot as early as the fifth minute when a flowing move resulted in right-back Thabiso Monyane slotting in a good finish to open the scoring.

Bucs continued to find the pockets and gaps in the erroneous Usuthu defence with Monyane's low shot being well saved by goalkeeper Jody February in the 36-minute.

However, that ball was kept alive by Monnapule Saleng, who grabbed his second assist of the game after squaring the ball for an unmarked Relebohile Ratomo to grab his first goal for the club.

Saleng went on to affirm his Player of the Year nomination in the 40th minute, as bad decision-making from AmaZulu skipper Ramahlwe Mphahlele put him through on goal to put a calm finish past the goalkeeper.

Pirates continued to threaten as the two teams went into the break and did not let their foot off the pedal in the second half despite numerous substitutions for both sides.

Substitute winger Kabelo Dlamini put the final nail in the coffin of the home side after further calamitous defending to add the fourth goal in the 80th minute.

The result ensures Orlando Pirates qualify to play in the Caf Champions League preliminary qualifiers in a quest to qualify for competition's lucrative group stage.

Pirates can still claim silverware this season as they are set to face Sekhukhune United next Saturday at Loftus Stadium as they try to add to their MTN 8 title triumph earlier this season against AmaZulu.

AmaZulu will have to be content with a disappointing 12th-position finish on the DStv Premiership table in a season riddled with inconsistency and draws.