By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Orlando Pirates cruised to their fifth successive MTN8 final after hammering Sekhukhune United 3-0 on Saturday at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
Pirates secured a 4-0 aggregate following an entertaining semi-final tie, having claimed a 1-0 advantage in the first leg.
Pirates dominated ball possession and Toaster Nsabata was the busier of the two goalkeepers. The Zimbabwean keeper was called into action as early as the fourth minute when he had to go down to deny Oswin Appollis and he did well to parry the ball away for a corner kick.
The hosts were rewarded for their persistent pressure when Thapelo Mokobodi put them in the lead in the 37th minute with a tap-in from a perfectly weighted cross from Yanela Mbuthuma.
Two minutes later Gamphani Lungu made it 2-0 for Pirates with a powerful shot. Mbuthuma was again the provider for the goal which was scored by Lungu. The Bucs striker made a brilliant run on the left side of the Pirates attack, before crossing the ball to an unmarked Lungu, who beat Nsabata with a powerful finish.
Sekhukhune’s best chance of the half fell to Lehlohonolo Mojela on the stroke of half-time, but he shot straight at Sipho Chaine from just outside the penalty box.
With a comfortable position, the hosts took their foot off the pedal in the second half and allowed Sekhukhune to build up attacking pressure.
In the 54th minute, Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made a sharp save at his near post to keep out a shot from a tight angle by Siyabonga Ndlozi, and Givemore Khupe headed over the target a few seconds later.
Chaine made another notable save on the hour mark, turning away an effort from Mpho Rammala, and nine minutes later Sbangani Zulu made a crucial block on Bright Ndlovu – with a growing sense of Pirates having lost their rhythm and control of the match.
The third goal arrived deep in injury time, with Pirates putting together a superb team goal which was capped off by a crisp finish from Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Pirates will face either Golden Arrows or Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2026 MTN8 final, scheduled for Saturday 10 October.