Orlando Pirates reach fifth successive MTN8 final after Sekhukhune rout

Orlando Pirates have reached a fifth consecutive MTN8 final after completing a 4-0 aggregate victory over Sekhukhune United with a convincing 3-0 win in the second leg.

The Buccaneers had taken a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium a week earlier, and secured their place in the final with three goals in the return fixture.

The result leaves the Soweto club one victory away from making further history in the Wafa Wafa tournament by winning a fifth consecutive MTN8 title.

Pirates went into the match in strong form against Sekhukhune, having already defeated Babina Noko twice this season. They won the first leg 1-0 before recording a 2-0 victory in their Betway Premiership meeting earlier in the week.

The hosts began with clear attacking intent and quickly put the visitors under pressure. Sekhukhune were forced to make an early adjustment when Shaheed Kazeem, who had already been booked, was withdrawn in the 36th minute.

Pirates broke the deadlock moments later. Yanela Mbuthuma led a rapid counter-attack before finding Thapelo Mokobodi inside the penalty area, and Mokobodi finished from close range in the 37th minute.

The home side doubled their advantage just two minutes later. Gamphani Lungu found the net to put Pirates 2-0 ahead on the night and give them a commanding position before half-time.

Sekhukhune returned from the interval with greater urgency and created several opportunities as they attempted to revive their hopes of recovering the tie.

Siphesihle Mkhize tested Pirates around the hour mark, but goalkeeper Sipho Chaine produced an important save to preserve the Buccaneers’ advantage.

The visitors threatened again in the 70th minute when Bright Ndlovu moved into a promising position, although Sbangani Zulu stepped in to stop the attack.

Pirates remained disciplined at the back as Sekhukhune continued to search for a route back into the contest. The hosts also went close to extending their lead when substitute Mpho Padime finished off a well-worked move, only for Toaster Nsabata to make an excellent save.

Sekhukhune’s resistance finally ended in stoppage time. Kamogelo Sebelele kept his composure to beat Nsabata with a low finish, completing a 3-0 victory on the night and confirming Pirates’ progress to another MTN8 final.

The Buccaneers’ latest success continues their impressive record in the competition and keeps them on course for an unprecedented fifth successive MTN8 title, with only the final standing between them and another piece of history.