Orlando Pirates began their Nedbank Cup title defense with a massive 6-0 victory over Crystal Lake at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Soweto giants won the 2023 Nedbank Cup against Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last season.
Pirates traveled to a scorching hot Mpumalanga to take on ABC Motsepe League side Crystal Lake.
The Buccaneers were quick off the mark after finding the back of the net in the 4th minute through the Nigerian international Olisa Ndah.
In the 8th minute, Pirates doubled their lead against the minnows with a goal by Tapelo Xoki. Pirates continued their dominance in the final third after Relebohile Mofokeng scored the 3rd goal in the 11th minute.
While the Mpumalanga outfit seemingly dejected by the scoreline, Pirates opened the float gates with a 33rd minute goal by Patrick Maswanganyi.
THE MATCH REACHED INTERVAL WITH PIRATES LEADING 4-0
The referee blew the half-time whistle with the Jose Riveiro-coached team comfortably leading 4-0 against Crystal Lake.
At the start of the second half, Pirates brought in new signing Thabiso Lebitso in place of Thabiso Monyane at right back position.
Pirates continued where they left off in the first-half after Xoki scored his second goal of the match to make it 5-0.
With the match reaching the final stages, Crystal Lake players started cramping as they failed to maintain high tempo game.
The goals couldn’t stop flooding in as Tshegofatso Mabasa made it 6-0 for Pirates in the 78th minute. Mabasa returned to Pirates from loan with Swallows during the January transfer window.
Orlando Pirates booked their spot in the Nedbank Cup last 16 with a 6-0 win over Crystal Lake.
The Houghton-based outfit will be waiting in anticipation to find out the team they going to face in the round of 16. The draw will take place on Monday, 26 February at 18:00.
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