Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says he expects goal difference to play a significant role in the title race.
The Buccaneers ran rampant at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday with Tshegofatso Mbabasa the standout performer with a second-half hat-trick.
An own goal from Kenneth Nthatheni after one minute had kicked off the scoring.
Gabadinho Mhango levelled with 23 minutes played but it was all one-way traffic from then on in as Mbabasa netted three (47′, 53′, 64′) – ahead of goals from Deano van Rooyen (59′), Thalente Mbatha (70′, 82′) and Boitumelo Radiopane (90’P).
The result kept the Buccaneers in second place on the league standings, three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and left Gallants in 12th place on the standings with just 10 points from 10 games – 14 points worse off than Bucs.
Speaking after the game, Riveiro said in the Citizen: “We expect a tight race for the title.
“It is just game number nine, but you can see it will not be an easy race. Every game counts, goals conceded count, and your goal difference counts. So, you have to try and find an advantage when it is presented (to you).
“In terms of self-confidence for the team, for the players, it is always important to see what you are capable of doing.”
Pirates are next in action away to Magesi on Sunday 29 December.