Pirates keep treble dream alive as they get past Tshakhuma in Nedbank Cup

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Pirates keep treble dream alive as they get past Tshakhuma in Nedbank Cup
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Orlando Pirates are through to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 thanks to their 4-1 win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Saturday afternoon at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Having lost the final to their traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs last season, the Buccaneers were keen to get their name in the next phase of the annual competition.

Having won the previous two editions as well as the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, earlier this season, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men came into the fixture as strong favourites to advance.

Pirates rewarded for good start

The Sea Robbers started the game strongly in their bid to get an early goal and ease the pressure.

After a couple of attempts, they were rewarded in the ninth minute; Oswin Appollis was tripped in the 18-yard area, leaving th referee with no option but give a penalty and a massive opportunity for Pirates.

Former Stellenboch midfielder Andre de Jong rose for the occasion, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

It was 2-0 in the 16th minute; the Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila defenders failed to clear the ball effectively, and it landed on Thalente Mbatha who tried his luck from about 30 yards out. The shot took a wicked deflection, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

The Soweto giants gae away a free-kick in a prime area in the 39th minute to hand TTM an opportunity. Sithembiso Ngobe managed to spin the wall past the wall and into the back of the net, as Melusi Buthelezi tried in vain to keep the ball out as the first half ended 2-1.

Pirates finish the job

Pirates could have added a third just two minutes after the break, but despite being one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Masindi Nemtajela just couldn’t hit the target from less than six yards out.

Nevertheless, it mattered less as Patrick Maswanganyi was fed in the 51st minute, kept his composure and made it 3-1.

Yanela Mbuthuma had an opportunity to get a fourth for Bucs in the 72nd minute but despite getting teed-up nicely by Deon Hotto, the former Ricahrds Bay striker was denied by the goalkeeper.

The icing on the cake came in the stoppages as Sipho Mbule came from the bench to guide home a shot from 25 yards to ensure it ended 4-1 in favour of Orlando Pirates.

Bucs are now hoping to land a favourable opponent in the Round of 16.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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