ANDREW MUCHINERIPI, Johannesburg | Saturday 6.00pm.
Orlando Pirates ………………….. (3) 5
(Lota 55, 85, Lekoelea 8, Zuma 23, Mngomeni 42)
Moroka Swallows ………………….. (0) 0
DO not write Thabo Mngomeni out of the Bafana Bafana squad for the African Nations Cup finals in Ghana next month just yet because he sent an extremely high-frequency signal to coach Trott Moloto during this mismatch.
There was sadness at watching the once-mighty Beautiful Birds being overrun in a Castle Premiership match watched by no more than 3000 spectators on a cool, overcast afternoon.
But the joy of dreadlocked Mngomeni in top form at FNB Stadium more than compensated for that and I was shocked to discover that the SABC-TV man-of-the-match award went to Pirates midfielder Warren Lewis.
While wishing no disrespect to workaholic Lewis, who gave an excellent performance, even he would surely admit that Mngomeni stood head and shoulders above the other Buccaneers, whose victory moved them into third place.
Mngomeni scored what could prove to be the goal of the season and created three of the other four. If that is not sufficient material for an award, this humble member of the Muchineripi clan does not know what is.
While not wishing to take anything away from Pirates, who were dominant throughout and displayed a standard of finishing far above the Premiership norm, their task was made simpler by lifeless Swallows.
When each season kicks off, those still willing to listen are told that the rebirth of the Birds is at hand. It must be small comfort that they will probably dodge the drop only because Mother City and Bush Bucks are even worse.
Steve Lekoelea put Pirates ahead with a fierce shot off the underside of the crossbar, Sibusiso Zuma beat Jorge Fernandes from close range for the second and Mngomeni made it 3-0 by half-time with a superb shot.
There seemed little threat to Swallows when Thabo gained possession near the touchline. But one dummy and an electric run later, he unleashed a left-foot shot that flew into the top corner of the net.
Viva, Thabo, Viva!
There was no respite after the break for Swallows, who created and wasted a couple of good first-half chances, as in-form Zambian Dennis Lota struck twice to give Pirates their biggest Premiership triumph over Swallows.