Pirates midfielder Kamogelo Sebelebele believes the unity and energy within the squad proved decisive in their dramatic MTN8 semifinal victory over Sundowns.
The Buccaneers advanced to the final after edging Sundowns 4-1 on penalties in a tense encounter at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. The tie had finished 2-2 on aggregate, with Sebelebele once again delivering on the big stage.
The 23-year-old, who joined Pirates from TS Galaxy earlier this year, struck the crucial equaliser to cancel out Iqraam Rayners’ opener. His goal forced the clash into a shootout, where goalkeeper Sipho Chaine emerged as the hero with two key saves, while the Buccaneers held their nerve from the spot.
Sebelebele also netted in the first leg at Orlando Stadium, ensuring his side stayed alive in the tie. His back-to-back semifinal goals have cemented his reputation as one of Pirates’ clutch performers.
“We started slowly, but at halftime we spoke in the changing room and those on the bench gave us the energy we needed,” Sebelebele told the club’s media team.
“This was about everyone playing their part.”
The Buccaneers will now turn their focus to the final against Stellenbosch, set for 13 September at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The clash will be a repeat of last year’s MTN8 final, which Pirates won 3-1.
For Sebelebele, the venue holds mixed emotions. While playing for TS Galaxy in the 2023/24 season, he lost to Stellenbosch in the Carling Knockout final at the very same stadium. This time, he is determined to rewrite the script.
“It will be my second professional final, and this time I want the gold medal,” he declared.
“We want to make our supporters happy – they deserve it.”