Mthethwa header helps Pirates beat Chiefs to reach Nedbank Cup final

A Sandile Mthethwa extra-time header earned Orlando Piratesa place in the final of the Nedbank Cup as they edged Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

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This was the first time Bucs got a victory against Chiefs this season, with the Naturena based having beaten their neighbours twice in the DStv Premiership. The winning goal by Mthethwa was probably the most important in the teams’ three meetings.

Pirates are now in line for a second trophy this season having already won the MTN8. Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro should be happy with the victory, despite having been put under pressure for the most part of the game by coach Arthur Zwane’s charges.

Chiefs could have easily taken the lead in the 11th minute. Ashley du Preez spotted Christian Saile inside the box, but the winger failed to connect with the ball in front of the net. Just after that, Pirates went on the attack with some great work by Monnapule Saleng on the right side of their attack.

The winger played the ball to Kermit Erasmus, and the striker scored from close range to make it 1-0 for Bucs. In the 37th minute Saile was once again presented with a beautiful chance to score, but he directed his header wide.

Towards half-time, Pirates were forced to make a change after wing-back Bandile Shandu was stretched out of the field after colliding with Reeve Frosler, and he was replaced by Deon Hotto. The game went into the break with the Buccaneers in the driver’s seat.

Chiefs piled a lot of pressure on the Bucs defence in the second period. A Samkelo Zwane pass in the 55th minute could have led to a goal, but Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was quick to clear the ball before Du Preez could do something about it.

Pirates were now defending more than attacking, with the Glamour Boys spending most of their time in the Bucs half.  After numerous attempts, luck was finally on Amakhosi’sside in the 79th minute thanks to a Yusuf Maart goal to make it 1-1.

The game began to be nervy for both sides as they looked fora winning goal. But neither side could seal the win leaving the tie to go into extra-time.

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The first stanza of extra-time didn’t bring anything exciting. In the second half, the Buccaneers went on to get a goal from Mthethwa in the last period, with the defender jumping higher than the Chiefs defence to get the winning goal for the Sea Robbers.