Orlando Pirates’ Ghampani Lungu dedicates MTN8 winner to late father

Orlando Pirates forward Ghampani Lungu says his decisive goal against Durban City was for his late father, as the club turns its attention to Wednesday’s league meeting with AmaZulu.

Lungu came off the bench to score deep into extra time and secure a 2-1 victory for Pirates in their MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

The Zambia international said the goal carried particular significance after a difficult two months following his father’s death.

“The goal really meant a lot because the past two months have really been tough after losing my father, so it was for him,” Lungu said.

Lungu joined Orlando Pirates from Siwelele at the start of the season and is expected to be involved again when the Sea Robbers face AmaZulu at Kings Park Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm.

His late contribution against Durban City completed a strong start to the campaign for Pirates. The Buccaneers had opened their league programme with a 2-0 home victory over newcomers Milford the previous week before overcoming Durban City in the MTN8.

The result also maintained the club’s strong record against AmaZulu. Pirates have won 15 of their 29 meetings with Usuthu, while AmaZulu have managed just one victory. The remaining 13 matches have ended in draws.

Pirates will now aim to carry their early-season momentum into the league fixture, with Lungu’s goal providing an emotional highlight to their cup success. His ability to influence the match after coming on as a substitute could also strengthen his claim for another important role against AmaZulu.

The meeting at Kings Park Stadium will give Pirates an opportunity to build on their opening league win while continuing their pursuit of progress in the MTN8. AmaZulu, known as Usuthu, will be seeking to upset the historical balance between the sides.

For Lungu, however, the focus of Saturday’s victory extended beyond the result. The goal was a personal tribute to his father, whose death had made the previous two months especially challenging for the Pirates player.

The forward’s strike ultimately settled a match that had remained level until the closing stages of extra time, sending Pirates through after a dramatic finish against Durban City. Attention must now turn quickly to the league, with AmaZulu next on the fixture list.