Mbuthuma inspires Orlando Pirates to fifth successive MTN8 final

Yanela Mbuthuma provided two assists as Orlando Pirates reached a fifth consecutive MTN8 final with a 3-0 second-leg victory over Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

The result secured a 4-0 aggregate win for the Buccaneers, who had already taken a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Limpopo last week.

Mbuthuma, who has faced criticism from sections of the Pirates support this season, was central to the victory. The former Richards Bay striker set up Thapelo Mokobodi and Gamphani Lungu in the opening half before Kamogelo Sebelebele completed the scoring in the third minute of added time.

Pirates had threatened early on, with Oswin Appollis, Mbuthuma, Lungu and Simphiwe Selepe all going close to beating Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata.

The opening goal eventually arrived when Mbuthuma delivered a cross for midfielder Mokobodi, who headed or finished the move to score his first goal since joining Pirates before the start of the campaign.

Lungu then doubled the home side’s advantage eight minutes before half-time, accepting a pass from Mbuthuma. It was another important contribution from Lungu, who had scored the decisive goal in Pirates’ quarter-final victory over Durban City at the same stadium.

Both goals came while Pirates were defending deep and looking to break quickly after Sekhukhune committed players forward in search of a way back into the tie. Mbuthuma’s ability to win loose balls and launch attacks at pace was repeatedly effective, despite the pressure he has faced from supporters who have questioned his work in the forward line.

Sebelebele put the outcome beyond doubt late in the match after combining with substitute Tshepang Moremi.

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

Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou was able to use the comfortable scoreline to continue integrating young and new players into his squad. Boitumelo Raidopane, Simphiwe Masilela, Mpho Chabatsane and Mpho Padime were introduced after the hour mark.

New arrivals Sibangani Zulu and central midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane also continued to impress after starting the match. Mthiyane has stepped in for the injured Thalente Mbatha and operated alongside Mokobodi and Selepe in the centre of the team.

The progress of the new players will be particularly encouraging for Ouaddou after Pirates lost influential players Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, who moved overseas for new opportunities.

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

Ouaddou’s side now face a demanding schedule. They travel to meet 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 receiving a red card during Tuesday’s league defeat, the focus shifts back to the domestic competition. Sekhukhune host TS Galaxy in Limpopo on Saturday as they attempt to revive their league campaign.