Justin Shonga opened his account for Orlando Pirates and Thembinkosi Lorch added another to secure a 2-0 win against relegation-threatened Platinum Stars on Saturday afternoon, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The home side, Stars, almost took the lead as early as the third minute when Bonginkosi Ntuli capitalised on some sluggish defending, but goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane came to his side’s rescue with a fine save.

Pirates threatened with pace and almost opened the scoring via the counter-attack but Lorch was denied by Dino Visser.

Milutin Sredojevic’s side deservedly took the lead when Shonga opened his account for the Buccanneers as he headed home Innocent Maela’s pin-point ball into the area.

Dikwena offered little in resistance to Pirates’ dominance and Musa Nyatama was unfortunate not to double his side’s lead moments before the half-time interval.

Pirates came out guns blazing and were determined to put the result beyond doubt as Shonga forced Visser into making a fine save after a great ball into the area by Mthokozisi Dube.

The visiors were forced into making a change as Gladwin Shitolo picked up an injury, with Marshall Munetsi subsequently replacing him.

Intent on scoring another goal, Sredojevic brought on Thabiso Kutumela for Riyaad Norodien.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute when Luvuyo Memela’s defence-splitting pass found Lorch who made no mistake with his effort.

In the end, Pirates ran out comfortable 2-0 victors to extend their unbeaten streak to four consecutive games in the PSL.

P Stars XI: 35. Visser, 18. De Jongh, 6/ Sithole, 25. Mthethwa, 20. Mpeta, 2. Mere, 41. Mekoa, 43. Rambuwane, 22. Ng’ambi, 15. Msomi, 17. Ntuli.

Pirates XI: 16. Mabokgwane, 6. Shitolo, 34, Nyauza, 28. Dube, 23. Maela, 14. Nyatama, 5. Makola, 26. Norodien, 11. Memela, 3. Lorch, 27. Shonga.

Photo: Gallo Images