Despite the win, Pirates remained third on the league standings, but they are now two points behind second-placed SuperSport United having played 22 matches with 8 more matches remaining in the league so far.

Monnapule Saleng continued with his rich vein of form as the attacking midfielder scored a hat-trick to help Jose Riviero's men claim the much needed 3 points.

It took just six minutes for Saleng to break the deadlock when he turned home Kabelo Dlamini's cross to hand Pirates a 1-0 lead with the Swallows defence exposed.

The two teams then went at each other creating chances on either end however, the chances came to no effect as Pirates made sure they head to halftime with the slender 1-0 lead.

The Buccaneers started the second-half just the way they started the first half with Terrence Dzvukamanja extending the lead to 2-0 in the 47th minute after a beautiful assist from Saleng.

Saleng was at it again in the 60th minute after capitalising on a Dlamini cross to make it 3-0 much to the delight of the fans who made it to the Dobsonville Stadium in numbers.

Although Swallows grabbed a late goal through substitute Mthokozisi Shwabule 14 minutes from time, Saleng completed the riot in the 90th minute when he scored his third goal for the night and the Buccaneers' fourth.

It was another incredible performance from Saleng that earned him the man of the match accolade against his former employers.

Pirates will next face Venda Football Academy in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup on the 11th of March at the Orlando Stadium.