Orlando Pirates won a record fourth MTN8 title after narrowly edging AmaZulu 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday evening.
The iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium was packed to the rafters as Pirates won their fourth MTN8 title since its inception and name change.
With the triumph, the Soweto giants keep the trophy for a lifetime as they have won it more than any other side in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
It is Jose Riveiro’s first piece of silverware as Pirates coach in his first season.
The first half started on a sour note for Pirates as their star defender Nkosinathi Sibisi suffered a serious injury which saw him getting stretched off 25 seconds into the clash. He was replaced by Paseka Mako.
However, the injury didn’t dampen Pirates’ spirits as they dominated the opening 20 minutes with Thabiso Monyane having the first shot on target, but his effort was palmed away.
A few moments later, Monnapule Saleng saw his header from the centre of the box saved by Veli Mothwa.
Kermit Erasmus also had a chance to score from a Saleng cross in the 22nd; minute but the goalie comfortably dealt with his header.
The Buccaneers kept pilling on the pressure and scored the opener in the 25th minute through Saleng from a tight angle, a free kick that found the top left corner.
AmaZulu started playing with real intention after conceding with Gabadinho Mhango attempting the famous ‘Hand of God’ by the late Diego Maradona.
But the striker was booked as the referee deemed the offensive as a deliberate handball just after the 40th-minute mark.
HAND OF GOD GONE WRONG
Usuthu’s search for the equaliser continued as George Maluleka’s right-footed shot from outside the box was brilliantly saved in the top centre of the goal by Richard Ofori as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Pirates.
Romain Folz’ men begin the second half like a house on fire, with Lehlohonolo Majoro and Mbongeni Gumede troubling Pirates’ defence.
Majoro was in the thick of things again in the 64th minute as he hit the crossbar with Pirates under siege as Usuthu were desperate to level matters.
Abbubaker Mobara and Dumisani Zuma also had efforts at goal, but their they were off the mark.
It was all AmaZulu in the second half as Pirates were forced to defend free-kicks and efforts one after the other.
However, it wasn’t to be as it was heartbreak for Usuthu, who were eager to end their trophy drought as they have not won silverware in 30 years.
Miguel Timm walked away with the Man of the Match award after putting in a good shift in the middle of the park
