Orlando Pirates can’t stop flying. The Buccaneers have qualified for the Carling Knockout quarterfinals after edging Siwelele FC 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium.
The club’s young captain and central defender, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, hit a world-class strike that was enough to send the Sea Robbers through.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made just one tweak from the previous lineup. Kamogelo Sebelebele made way for Oswin Appollis.
CARLING KNOCKOUT: ORLANDO PIRATES 1-0 SIWELELE FC
The game started fast. Evidence Makgopa had a chance early, a penalty that could’ve set the tone, but his effort hit the post.
For the rest of the game chances were few and far between as Siwelele’s defence stood firm and tight.
It took until the 87th minute for the breakthrough. And what a way to do it. Mbokazi unleashed a thunderbolt from about 20 meters, giving goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu no chance. Goal. Quarterfinals secured.
The victory also brought a sense of justice. Last season, Bucs were stunned in the first round by Magesi FC, losing 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium. This time, there was no repeat.
How the teams line-up:
Pirates: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi (c), Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli, Nemtajela, Mofokeng, Appollis, Moremi, Makgopa.Subs: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Ndaba, Mariko, Dansin, Mbule, Sebelebele, Maswanganyi, Mabasa.
Siwelele: Xulu, Mfolozi, Makhele, Khonyane, Baliti, Margeman, Moralo, Zwane, Potsane, Nurkovic, Saile
Subs: Goss, Luthuli, Sanoka, Lakay, Quaicoe, Lungu, Pule, Mashiane, Ohizu.
10 MATCHES UNBEATEN
This win marks ten matches in a row without defeat across all competitions, and eight matches without conceding a goal.
Next up? Polokwane City visit Soweto in the Betway Premiership on 21 October after the FIFA break. It will be the second meeting between the sides this season, after Pirates’ 2-0 win in the MTN8 quarterfinals at the same venue.
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