Nedbank-Cup
Orlando Pirates progressed to the Nedbank Cup Last 16 with a 4-1 victory over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Saturday afternoon.
New boys Andre de Jong and Mpho Chabatsane got their first starts for the Buccaneers, while goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi was given his first start of the season in place of Sipho Chaine.
Pirates got ahead on ten minutes when de Jong comfortably converted from the penalty spot and opened his account for the club after Oswin Appollis was fouled in the area.
The Buccaneers extended the lead seven minutes later as a hard and low shot by Thalente Mbatha deflected into the bottom-corner with the goalkeeper wrong-footed.
Mbatha looked to complete a brace with another long-range strike a few minutes later, but he had his attempt smothered by the opposite number.
However, Tshakhuma got one back five minutes before the break when Sithembiso Ngobe’s free-kick from a tight angle beat the wall and found the near post.
After the break, the Buccaneers made a double change with Patrick Maswanganyi on for de Jong and Daniel Msendami replacing Tshepang Moremi. Pirates restored their two-goal cushion five minutes after the break as Maswanganyi played a one-two on the edge of the area with Yanela Mbuthuma and side-footed in the bottom-corner.
The Buccaneers looked to increase their lead with a half-volley from a tight angle by Deon Hotto following a cross-field delivery, but he was denied by Lebohang Mohale.
Mohale made another fine stop moments apart when he came out of his area and smothered a first-time shot in the area from Mbuthuma.
Pirates maintained control later on and worked Mohale again through a powerfully shot from a tight angle by Maswanganyi within full-time.
Substitute Sipho Mbule put the contest to bed in the final minute when he unleashed a powerful shot outside the area and left Mohale rooted to his area.
Confirmed line-ups:
TTM: Moale, Mathuntu, Moatshe, Chabalala, Mashiane, Ngobe, Magada, Mponzo, Stwayl, Tole, Sebadi
Subs: Mawela, Makhadi, Mukomafhedzi, Magada, Mohapi, Nevari, Gobobedzha, Mabirimisa, Malatji
Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi, Chabatsane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Mbatha, Nemtajela, De Jong, Moremi, Appollis, Mbuthuma
Subs: Chaine, Sesane, Mariko, Sebelebele, Dansin, Maswanganyi, Mbule, Msendami, Makgopa
