Mbuthuma inspires Orlando Pirates into fifth successive MTN8 final

Yanela Mbuthuma produced two assists as Orlando Pirates defeated Sekhukhune United 3-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena to reach a fifth consecutive MTN8 final with a 4-0 aggregate victory.

The forward, who has faced criticism from sections of the Pirates support, played a decisive role in the first half of Saturday’s semi-final second leg. He created goals for Thapelo Mokobodi and Gamphani Lungu as the Buccaneers established a 2-0 lead before half-time.

Right-back Kamogelo Sebelebele completed the scoring in the third minute of added time, combining with substitute Tshepang Moremi before finding the net.

Mbuthuma’s performance was a response to supporters who have questioned his contribution in attack. His work often involves winning loose balls when Pirates are defending and quickly turning those situations into opportunities for his team.

Both of the first-half goals came while Pirates were under pressure in their own half, with Sekhukhune pushing for a response after losing the first leg 1-0 in Limpopo last week.

Pirates could have taken control even earlier, with Oswin Appollis, Mbuthuma, Lungu and Simphiwe Selepe all coming close to scoring in the opening stages. Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata was required to deal with several attempts before Pirates eventually broke through.

Mbuthuma then delivered a cross which Mokobodi converted for his first goal since joining Pirates before the start of the current campaign. Lungu added the second eight minutes before the interval, finishing after receiving a pass from Mbuthuma.

The result will also please Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou because of the way several new players have adapted to the team. They have been asked to help fill the gap left by influential players including Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, who have left the club to continue their careers overseas.

Defender Sibangani Zulu and central midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane were among those to impress after starting the match. Mthiyane has stepped into the side alongside Mokobodi and Selepe because of Thalente Mbatha’s injury.

Pirates spent much of the second half protecting their advantage, although Sekhukhune continued to push in an effort to avoid a third defeat by the Soweto club in seven days. Sekhukhune had also lost 2-0 to Pirates in a Betway Premiership match at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night.

The comfortable advantage allowed Ouaddou to continue testing his younger and newer players. Boitumelo Raidopane, Simphiwe Masilela, Mpho Chabatsane and Mpho Padime were introduced after the hour mark.

Pirates will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Lamontville Golden Arrows in the final. The second semi-final is due to be played at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Sunday, with Arrows holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Atteridgeville last Sunday.

Ouaddou’s side faces a busy schedule next week. Pirates travel to face PSL newcomers Kruger United in a league match on Tuesday before heading to Mauritius for the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round tie against La Cure Sylvester.

For Sekhukhune manager Cedrick Kaze, who watched from the stands after being sent off during Tuesday’s league match, attention now turns to repairing his team’s league campaign. Sekhukhune will host TS Galaxy in Limpopo on Saturday.