Maswanganyi bags brace as Pirates sink Richards Bay to advance in Nedbank Cup

Orlando Pirates kept their hopes of a historic Nedbank Cup three-peat alive with a 3-1 victory over Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday. Patrick Maswanganyi’s brace and Tshegofatso Mabasa’s late strike propelled them into the Last 16, where they await their next opponents.

The Buccaneers made a significant change in goal, with Melusi Buthelezi starting ahead of the usual first-choice, Sipho Chaine, who was not even included in the matchday squad. Chaine had accumulated three yellow cards and risked suspension for the upcoming Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs if he received another caution.

Richards Bay, on the other hand, also opted to rotate their goalkeeping options, giving Ian Otieno a start in place of the usual first-choice, Salim Magoola. The opening ten minutes of the match saw a distinct lack of goal-scoring opportunities as both teams approached the encounter cautiously. The visitors enjoyed a greater share of possession, probing for an opening. 

Meanwhile, the Natal Rich Boyz struggled to mount any meaningful attacks, with the Sea Robbers effectively stifling their attempts to create space.

PATRICK MASWANGANYI’S BRACE IN THE FIRST HALF

The Pirates faithful erupted as Patrick Maswanganyi broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, curling a stunning shot past Otieno from Relebohile Mofokeng‘s pass. 

The celebrations continued just four minutes later when Maswanganyi, once again inspired by Mofokeng’s assist, doubled his tally, leaving the Richards Bay defence in disarray.

The home crowd held their breath as Thato Mohlamme’s close-range effort thundered against the post, deflecting off the startled Buthelezi and rolling away for a corner kick.

Pirates were leading 2-0 at half-time.

Richards Bay returned to the field with renewed determination in the second half, determined to stage a comeback.

Their efforts were rewarded when Yanela Mbuthuma capitalised on a rebound, tapping in after Buthelezi saved Thulani Gumede’s fierce shot.

Richards Bay continued to grind, seeking an equaliser with Pirates opening up somewhat and no longer attacking as they were in the first half.

While the KZN side continued to push for an equaliser, Pirates seemed to have taken their foot off the gas, no longer displaying the same attacking intensity as they had in the first half.

Otieno produced a brilliant save in the 73rd minute, denying Tshegofatso Mabasa from close range and preventing the Soweto giants from extending their lead.

The drama reached its climax in the 93rd minute when Maswanganyi played a perfectly weighted through pass to Tshegofatso Mabasa, who calmly slotted the ball home to secure a thrilling victory for Pirates.

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