By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates’ bid to become the first team to win the MTN8 three times in a row is on course after beating SuperSport 3-1 in a quarter-final match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Olisa Ndah thrust the Buccaneers ahead a minute before half-time but Matsatsantsa replied through Vincent Pule four minutes after the restart for a 1-1 regulation time scoreline.
Monnapule Saleng then had a say in the contest in extra time, before substitute Evidence Makgopa scored on 108 minutes to claim victory for the Buccaneers.
The Soweto giants remain on course to win the 13th MTN8 title as Matsatsantsa missed out on a piece of silverware.
Pirates went into the match without the injured Tapelo Xoki, Miguel Timm, Zakhele Lepasa and Thabiso Lebitso.
Ndah wore the Buccaneers captain’s armband as Innocent Maela was benched while new Angolan signing Gilberto was absent.
SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt trusted to start new acquisitions Nyiko Mobbie, Pogiso Sanoka, Keanin Ayer, Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Pule who was facing his former paymasters.
Bradley Grobler almost scored his 10th goal against Pirates in the past 10 years but had Sipho Chaine in goal for the Buccaneers denying him in the early stages of the contest.
Tshegofatso Mabasa then forced a desperate save from SuperSport goalkeeper Richardo Goss after 24 minutes.
The two sides were separated when Ndah beat the half-time whistle by stylishly finishing a Saleng cross.
But the Tshwane side hit back when Pule resisted celebrating after haunting his former paymasters with a headed effort off a Grobler assist.
Pirates almost reclaimed their lead when Relebohile Mofokeng forced Goss to scoop his shot on the goalline before the teenage star came back again to have the Matsatsantsa goalkeeper save his effort with the help of the upright.
Still determined, it paid off for the Soweto giants when Saleng cooly tapped in a Kabelo Dlamini cross to reclaim the lead for Pirates.
Makgopa then made it difficult for a SuperSport comeback after pouncing on Goss’ repulsion of a Saleng effort to make it 3-1 in favour of the Buccaneers.
It could have been more for the Sea Robbers but substitute Karim Kimvuidi had the upright post denying him right at the death.
Pictured above: Patrick Maswanganyi being marked by SuperSport defender Neo Rapoo and Keanan Ayer
Source: Orlando Pirates
