Staff Reporter.
Defending champions Orlando Pirates beat Polokwane City 2-0 in the MTN 8 quarter-final at sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
New signing Oswin Appollis turned up against his former team in the 12th minute as he made a run into the area and tucked into the bottom-corner, with Boitumelo Radiopane picking up the assist.
Pirates doubled their lead in the 35th minute after Appolis was brought down in the box. Patrick Maswanganyi converted the resulting penalty, opening his account for the season.
In the 42nd minute, City broke on the counter attack after Mbekezeli Mbokazi was dispossessed up the field, but debutant Levy Mashiane mistimed his run and was ruled offside, missing a golden opportunity for his side to reduce the deficit before halftime.
Rise and Shine began the second half with more intent than their opponent. In the 50th min, Ayabonga Gwangqa played a cross looking for Bulelani Nikani in the middle of the area, but his pass was cleared behind by Mbokazi.
In the 58th minute, Radiopane split the City defence with a pass finding Bandile Shandu, whose effort from a tight angle sailed over the bar.
Pirates debutant Yanela Mbuthuma missed an opportunity to make an impression on his new fanbase in the 61st minute, as he was fed through at the edge of the area by Maswanganyi but could not control the ball.
Mbuthuma missed another chance in the 89th minute, as Rise and Shine denied Deon Hotto but could only clear the ball as far as Mbuthuma, whose effort was denied by a goal-line clearance from Lebohang Nkaki.
Pirates will continue their quest for a fourth successive MTN8 title, and await the announcement of the semi-final opponent.