Orlando Pirates moved a step closer to retaining their MTN8 crown after producing another commanding performance to beat Sekhukhune United 3-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The victory saw the defending champions advance to the final with a convincing 4-0 aggregate victory, following their 1-0 triumph in the first leg at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium last weekend.
It was also Pirates’ third successive victory over Sekhukhune in the space of just eight days, having beaten Babina Noko 1-0 in the first leg before claiming a 2-0 Betway Premiership victory against the same opponents on Tuesday.
The Buccaneers took control early and could have opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute when Oswin Appollis was denied by Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.
Sekhukhune also had opportunities to break the deadlock, with Bradley Mojela failing to make the most of one opening before Mpho Rammala came close in the 33rd minute, only to fire his effort wide.
Pirates finally found the breakthrough in the 37th minute.
Yanela Mbuthuma created the opening before setting up Thapelo Mokobodi, who made no mistake with the finish to put the hosts 1-0 ahead and give Pirates a 2-0 advantage on aggregate.
The Sea Robbers were not finished.
Just two minutes later, in the 39th minute, Mbuthuma was again involved in the build-up as Ghampani Lungu connected with his pass to double the advantage. The goal put Pirates 2-0 ahead on the afternoon and 3-0 up on aggregate.
Sekhukhune returned from the break determined to find a way back into the contest and created several opportunities.
Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine had to be alert in the 60th minute when he denied Siphesihle Mkhize, while Bright Ndlovu also came close with a goal-bound effort that was stopped.
Pirates, however, remained dangerous on the counterattack.
Yanela Mbuthuma almost added his name to the scoresheet in the 52nd minute, but Nsabata was equal to his effort.
As Sekhukhune pushed forward in search of goals, spaces began to open up at the back and Pirates continued threatening on the break.
The final blow arrived in the third minute of added time, when Kamogelo Sebelebele found the back of the net to complete a 3-0 victory and send the Buccaneers into the MTN8 final with a commanding 4-0 aggregate score.
The result means Pirates have now reached the MTN8 final for a fifth consecutive season, underlining their dominance in the competition.
They will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Lamontville Golden Arrows in the final. Arrows take a 1-0 advantage into Sunday’s second-leg semi-final against Sundowns, leaving the Brazilians with work to do if they are to prevent Pirates from defending their crown.
For Sekhukhune, meanwhile, their MTN8 campaign ends in disappointment after they were unable to overturn the narrow first-leg deficit and were ultimately swept aside by the defending champions.