Orlando Pirates talent Simphiwe Selepe has opened up on his first start for the club this campaign in their thumping win over Sekhukhune United.
The Buccaneers powered into their fifth successive MTN8 final following a 3-0 thrashing win over Babina Noko at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. They take on Mamelodi Sundowns in a repeat of the 2023 Wafa Wafa final.
The 21-year-old had an impressive performance and racked up 75 minutes as Yanela Mbuthuma set up Thapelo Mokobodi who made no mistake in finishing from close range in the 36th minute to make it 1-0.
Mbuthuma picked up his second assist of the afternoon calmly setting up Ghampani Lungu with just six minutes remaining before the break.
It was 3-0 in the 93rd minute when winger Tshepang Moremi squared up Kamogelo Sebelebele to make it 4-0 on aggregate.
Selepe was grateful for the opportunity of starting the match which he says he worked hard for despite the competition in his position.
“I think my starting for today [Saturday], bows down to the technical coaches putting belief between all of us as players,” he told the Pirates media.
“Since the season started, I have been pushing myself till now, so it was important for me to grab the opportunity that I was granted.
“It was really important for me to grab that opportunity, because as you know there is quite a few of us in that position. So, when I get an opportunity, I have to grab and hold on to it.
“It’s never an easy game playing against Sekhukhune. We beat them twice and they also said we cannot allow them to beat us for the third time.
“It was not an easy game; it was a bit scrappy in the first half, but at least we managed to score, we’re off to the next round.”
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