Pirates are aiming for a third consecutive Nedbank Cup title.
Orlando Pirates under Jose Riveiro have been unstoppable in the Nedbank Cup, unbeaten since the Spaniard took over at the start of the 2022/23 season.
ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs – the road to the Nedbank Cup final
The Buccaneers will look to continue that run in this year’s final against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, and in doing lift a third consecutive Nedbank Cup trophy. Victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium would also be the perfect send off for Riveiro, who will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Phakaaathi takes a look at Pirates’ run to the final this year, where the main scare came against SuperSport United in the quarters.
Orlando Pirates road to the final
Last 32
Richards Bay 1 Orlando Pirates 3
Orlando Pirates opened their Nedbank Cup campaign with a trip to KZN to take on Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
And the Buccaneers took control of the match with two goals in four minutes from Patrick Maswanganyi. First, a long range shot in the 22nd minute looped past Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno and into the top corner.
Then a sublime assist from Relebohile Mofokeng set up ‘Tito’ for Pirates’ second.
The home side got themselves back into the game at the start of the second half, Yanele Mbuthuma slotting in from close range.
But Riveiro’s side sealed the win in stoppage time as a quickly taken free kick saw Tshegofatso Mabasa break clear and fire past Otieno.
Last 16
Orlando Pirates 3 Baroka FC 1
Baroka FC famously upset Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs in the 2011 Nedbank Cup. But there was no danger of a repeat here as a Tshegofatso Mabasa hat-trick sent the Buccaneers into the quarterfinals.
In the 29th minute, a fine run from Deon Hotto set up Mabasa with an easy tap in to get things going at Orlando Stadium.
A brilliant Pirates move then saw Mabasa steer home Maswanganyi’s fine cutback on the stroke of half time.
And the Pirates striker completed his hat trick in the 63rd minutem drilling an excellent finish home after another fine assist from Maswanganyi.
Sydney Malivha’s well-struck free kick 15 minutes from time was the only consolation for the visitors.
Quarterfinals
SuperSport United 2 Orlando Pirates 2 (AET; Pirates won 5-4 on penalties)
SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates played out a thriller at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the Goodman Mosele’s penalty eventually sending the visitors through in a shootout.
Pirates took a 29th minute lead as young Buccaneers defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi sent an absolute rocket into the top corner. The stunning effort remains his only senior goal for Pirates.
Gavin Hunt’s SuperSport were level two minutes before the break. Pirates’ keeper Sipho Chaine had a rush of blood to the head, racing off his line and completely missing the ball. Terrence Dvukumanja capitalised, though he nearly made a mess of scoring into an empty net.
Pirates were back in front just before the break, as Deon Hotto’s scuffed shot fell kindly for Evidence Makgopa.
And it seemed like that might be enough for Pirates, until stoppage time at the end of the match, when Gape Morale went on a jinking run, and fired home off the post.
The game went to penalties, and after Vincent Pule and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo missed for SuperSport and Pirates respectively, it was Christian Saile’s miss for Matsatsantsa that allowed Mosele to hammer the winning spot kick into the net.
Semifinals
Orlando Pirates 1 Marumo Gallants 0
An early goal from Kabelo Dlamini was enough for Orlando Pirates to move past Gallants at Orlando Stadium and into a third successive Nedbank Cup final.
Dlamini struck in the 22nd minute after a trademark skilful Pirates attacking move. Maswanganyi was again the creator, turning the ball across the area for Dlamini to rifle into the net.
Gallants battled gamely, but rarely threatened Melusi Buthelezi, who was given a rare start in goal for the Buccaneers.
ALSO READ: Pirates coach Riveiro reveals gameplan for Chiefs clash
Relebohile Mofokeng almost added a second for Pirates late in the game, his effort saved by Washington Arubi. But it didn’t matter, as Riveiro’s side earned their shot at another Nedbank trophy.
