Orlando Pirates booked their place in the MTN8 semi-finals with a composed 2-0 triumph over Polokwane City at a buzzing Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Under the helm of newly appointed head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Buccaneers wasted no time in laying down their intentions. Within the opening minutes, Oswin Appollis fired a warning shot—his right-footed effort from the heart of the box, teed up by a crisp Deon Hotto cross, was blocked, but it set the tone for a dominant display.
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The Soweto giants controlled the tempo for much of the match, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. Their goals reflected both precision and patience as they systematically wore down a resilient Polokwane side that struggled to find a foothold.
The early pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Appollis broke the deadlock. Latching onto a clever through ball from Boitumelo Radiopane, the winger cut in from the left and rifled a low, precise shot into the bottom right corner, leaving Polokwane’s goalkeeper Brian Bwire with no chance.
Polokwane City, led by coach Phuti Mohafe, struggled to find their rhythm but showed flashes of intent. Surprise Manthosi and Saketso Moremi both fired long-range efforts that sailed off target, while Levy Mashiane’s attempt from distance also failed to trouble Pirates’ goalkeeper.
Despite these efforts, Polokwane’s lack of cutting edge was evident, with their three first-half shots yielding no reward.
The turning point came in the 33rd minute when Polokwane’s Ayabonga Gwangqa fouled Appollis in the penalty area, conceding a spot-kick. Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up and coolly dispatched the penalty, sending Bwire the wrong way with a left-footed strike into the top right corner.
The 2-0 lead reflected Pirates’ control, as they enjoyed 74% possession in the first half and created three clear goalscoring opportunities compared to Polokwane’s three wayward attempts.
The second half saw Pirates maintain their grip, though Polokwane showed brief signs of life. Mokibelo Ramabu’s shot was blocked, and Bonginkosi Dlamini’s header drifted wide. Pirates, however, continued to threaten. Deon Hotto struck the crossbar with a curling free kick in the 65th minute, while substitute Tshepang Moremi forced a fine save from Bwire with a powerful shot from the right.
Both teams made substitutions to shift momentum. Pirates introduced Tshepang Moremi and Yamela Mbuthuma for the injured Appollis and Radiopane, while Polokwane brought on Sabelo Motsa and Puleng Tlolane.
Despite these changes, Polokwane couldn’t find a breakthrough, with Sabelo Motsa’s late header missing the mark.
Pirates’ defence, marshaled with discipline, ensured a clean sheet, while their 66% overall possession and 10 goal attempts underscored their dominance.
The match wasn’t without its physical edge, with yellow cards shown to Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng and Polokwane’s Lebohang Nkaki, Surprise Manthosi, Ndamulelo Maphangule, and Levy Mashiane for various infractions.
Yet, Pirates’ clinical finishing and control in midfield, driven by Maswanganyi and Appollis, proved the difference.
This victory sends a strong message in the MTN8 Cup, as Orlando Pirates advance with confidence, while Polokwane City will rue their missed chances and defensive lapses.