Defending champions Orlando Pirates advanced to the semi-finals of the MTN8 after digging deep to claim victory over a stubborn 10-man Durban City FC side in extra time at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates secured a 2-1 win against Durban City with two goals from Patrick Maswanganyi and Gamphani Lungu, while Jean Lwamba scored for the KZN-based side.
The Buccaneers became the first side to book a spot in the last four of the 2026 MTN8, boosting their ambitions of winning the trophy for a fifth consecutive season. The Sea Robbers have dominated the competition in recent years, claiming the Top 8 title in each of the past four campaigns.
Here are the key talking points from Pirates’ win over Durban City in Soweto.
1. BROOKLYN POGGENPOEL BLUNDER
The Sea Robbers won a penalty after a lapse in concentration from Poggenpoel, who mistimed his tackle and brought down Tshepang Moremi in the box. Referee Jelly Chavani pointed to the spot and showed the former SuperSport United midfielder a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up to convert from the spot with a calm finish, handing the Buccaneers the lead eight minutes before the break.
2. NKOSINATHI SIBISI SUSTAINS INJURY
Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi was stretched off at half-time after sustaining an injury in the closing minutes of the first half.
The Bafana Bafana international was replaced by off-season signing Sbangani Zulu in the centre-back position. Zulu finished off the match alongside reigning Defender of the Season Lebone Seema.
Although the extent of Sibisi’s injury is currently unclear, the Pirates technical team will be hoping that it’s not a serious one that could put the hard tackler out for a long period.
3. NIGHTMARE DEBUT FOR SBANGANI ZULU
Coming on for Sibisi at half-time, the former Richards Bay FC defender endured a difficult debut for Pirates, making a costly error that led to Durban City’s equaliser. Jean Lwamba slotted home a left-footed shot from very close range following an assist by Gastón Sirino. Despite the early setback, Zulu grew in confidence as the match wore on—a promising sign that he could become a key figure for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou this season.
4. DEON HOTTO DROPPED AGAINST DURBAN CITY
The veteran left-back was a surprise omission from the starting line-up in a crucial clash against Durban City. Ouaddou opted for Nkosikhona Ndaba, who had a decent game in the left wing-back position. Hotto was seen warming up late in the second half, appearing ready to enter the pitch, but the coach ultimately decided against bringing him on.
5. ORLANDO PIRATES STRIKERS STRUGGLING FOR GOALS
Although they have played only two matches so far this season, Pirates strikers seem to be struggling for firepower to bang in goals.
So far, Pirates have been using Yanela Mbuthuma as the first choice in the starting line-up with Boitumelo Radiopane playing mostly as a second-half substitute. However, the two forwards are yet to open their scoring accounts for the season, having struggled for consistency even in the previous season.
On the other hand, Bafana Bafana international Evidence Makgopa has been omitted from the matchday squad for the first two games.
Pirates will be hoping that the new striker Sebastian Pedersen hits the ground running and starts scoring goals.
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