Orlando Pirates cruised into the five successive MTN8 final after a 4-0 aggregate win over Sekhukhune United.
Pirates came into the second leg after back to back wins over Sekhukhune, the 1-0 win at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in the first leg last weekend and the mid-week 2-0 victory in Orlando.
Confidence was brimming that they could make it a three on the bounce, despite headlines of late being dominated by their recent star player exits.
Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi’s transfers to Royal Union Saint Gilloise and Al Khaldiya, respectively, have seen two of their most creative and leading contributors to goals depart and questions have been raised if they have done enough in the market.
With the team currently unbeaten, top of the table and into the final of the MTN8 under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, for now, it’s been an emphatic response to the critics.
They went into the break with an 3-0 aggregate lead with the much-maligned Yanela Mbuthuma stealing the show with two brilliant assists leading to the sold out eSgodini chanting his name that would’ve been a goosebumps moment for the player that has been devoid of confidence within his recent goal drought.
He set up midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi and Giamphani Lungu for tap-ins in quick succession which virtually wrapped up the tie with Babina Noko – who were without their head coach Cedric Kaze on the toucheline due to suspension – needing four goals in the second half.
They opted to push centre-back Bright Ndlovu up to the lead the line with Namibia international Bethuel Mezeu – who was making his first start for the club since his off-season transfer from Black Leopards.
Pirates looked to sustain their lead and at some stages, were under the cosh from the visitors who were throwing everything to find something from the game. Eventually Kamogelo Sebelebele put the final nail in the coffin after a superbly worked goal in the 93rd minute.
The Buccaneers will now face the winner between Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns, who face off in the second leg tomorrow in Kwa-Zulu Natal, with Pitso Dladla’s side holding a 1-0 aggregate lead.