Orlando Pirates made history on Saturday afternoon by becoming the first-ever team to reach five consecutive MTN8 finals after defeating Sekhukhune United 3-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
The Buccaneers secured a 4-0 aggregate victory following an entertaining semi-final tie, having claimed a 1-0 advantage in the first leg.
Goals from Thapelo Mokobodi, Gamphani Lungu and Kamogelo Sebelebele sealed the convincing win in Soweto, sending Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men into another domestic final.
Below are seven key talking points from this clash.
1. ORLANDO PIRATES REACH HISTORIC FIFTH STRAIGHT MTN8 FINAL
Victory ensured that Pirates wrote a new chapter in South African football history by becoming the first team to reach five consecutive MTN8 finals in the competition’s 55-year existence.
Sekhukhune were determined to secure their first top-flight domestic final since facing Pirates in the 2022/23 Nedbank Cup final, but the Soweto giants proved too strong once again.
2. YANELA MBUTHUMA STEPS UP WITH CRUCIAL ASSISTS
Despite facing mounting criticism over his recent goal drought, Yanela Mbuthuma silenced his doubters with a stellar performance.
The former Richards Bay FC forward turned provider twice in the first half, laying on precise assists for both Mokobodi and Lungu to put the tie out of Sekhukhune’s reach.
3. WHY MELUSI BUTHELEZI WAS OMITTED FROM SEKHUKHUNE SQUAD
Sekhukhune assistant coach Paulus Masehe revealed that tactical analysis dictated their decision to drop goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi from the matchday squad in favour of Zambian international Toaster Nsabata.
“Well, the change was due to the deep analysis we conducted throughout the week. The change was influenced by this analysis because of the tactical approach to today’s game,” Masehe explained to SuperSport TV ahead of kick-off.
“We know for a fact that we need to shut the back door so that Pirates don’t score by any means necessary.”
4. CEDRIC KAZE SUSPENDED FOLLOWING MIDWEEK RED CARD
Babina Noko were without head coach Cedric Kaze on the touchline. The Burundian mentor was sent off during the midweek Betway Premiership fixture against Pirates on Tuesday, 25 August, at the same venue.
In his absence, assistant coach Masehe took charge of the team for the semi-final second leg.
5. PIRATES MAINTAIN IMPRESSIVE CUP RECORD AGAINST SEKHUKHUNE
Saturday’s outcome extended the Buccaneers’ absolute dominance over Sekhukhune in knockout competitions.
This was the fourth cup meeting between the two sides, with Pirates winning all four encounters. Across those four matches, the Soweto giants have scored 11 goals while conceding just once against the Limpopo-based side.
6. FAST-STARTING SEA ROBBERS KILL OFF THE TIE EARLY
Pirates set the tempo from the opening whistle, taking full advantage of their home crowd to put Sekhukhune under early pressure.
By converting their chances in the first and second halves through Mokobodi, Lungu and Sebelebele, the hosts wrapped up the tie in style.
7. SOLD-OUT CROWD CREATES ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE
The Premier Soccer League [PSL] confirmed that tickets for the second-leg match were officially sold out an hour before kick-off.
The packed stands at Orlando Amstel Arena provided a vibrant backdrop as the home supporters rallied behind the Buccaneers to celebrate another historic final berth.
Meanwhile, Pirates will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Golden Arrows in the final. Masandawana will face Arrows tomorrow at the King Zwelithini Stadium, with the kick-off set for 15:00.
RELATED STORY: Lungu dives into the competition between Orlando Pirates wingers and strikers
