A Tendai Ndoro hat-trick was enough to secure Orlando Pirates a 3-1 victory over Golden Arrows in their first Absa Premiership match at the Orlando Stadium, while a 10-man Platinum Stars sunk SuperSport United on Wednesday.

The Buccaneers had the first shot on target in the fourth minute when captain Oupa Manyisa pounced on a loose ball following a free-kick, however, his attempt at goal was tipped over by Arrows goalkeeper Maximilian Mbaeva.

Arrows created a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 21st minute when striker Lerato Lamola picked out Kuda Mahachi at the unguarded far post, but his cross was too strong the midfielder.

Abafana Bes’thende had their best chance of the half in the 35th minute as Wayde Jooste was put in behind the Buccaneers defence, but guided his effort into the side-netting.

Both side’s went into the half time break levelled at 0-0.

Four minutes into the second half the hosts took the lead when striker Tendai Ndoro scored from close range after great build-up play from midfielder Thabo Rakhale.

Arrows responded well, and levelled matters when Bucs goalkeepers Felipe Ovono made a terrible mistake at the back which resulted in Kudakwashe Mahachi hitting the post before Nduduzo Sibiya slotted the loose ball into the back of the net.

However, the Bucs took lead six minutes later as Ndoro added his second from a Mpho Makola free kick, who found the striker at the far post to header the ball into the net to make it 2-1.

The result was all but sealed in the 76th minute as Ndoro’s completed his hat-trick when he received the ball with his back to goal and turned before producing a stunning strike into the top corner.

In other Absa Premiership fixtures, Maritzburg United began their Absa Premiership campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dr. Molemela Stadium.

The visitors broke the deadlock  in the 50th minute when Kurt Lentjies slotted home from close range after Celtic goalkeeper Amour Tignyemb failed to hold onto Blessing Moyo’s stinging effort.

Meanwhile, Robert Ng’ambi scored the only goal of the game to hand 10-man Platinum Stars a 1-0 win over SuperSport United at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.