Orlando Pirates advanced to the MultiChoice Diski Challenge quarterfinals by finishing top in Group B.
The Buccaneers, under the guidance of experienced coach Augusto Palacios, accumulated the most points (15) and got the most wins (5).
supersport.com looks at the seven group stage matches the team played in the competition.
AmaZulu 0-1 Pirates
13 September – King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban
Pirates kicked off the Diski Challenge tournament in the first match against AmaZulu. They dominated the clash from start to finish as the combinations of Menzi Masuku, Siphesihle Sangweni and Neo Marks frustrated the home side. The goal finally came as Sangweni netted in the 90th minute from man-of-the-match Masuku’s pass, to get the honour of scoring the first ever goal of the competition.
Pirates 2-1 Chippa United
24 September – Nike Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto
Their next clash was against Chippa United, who lost 3-2 to Mpumalanga Black Aces in the first match. Chippa stunned the young Buccaneers as they took the lead after three minutes through Owen Naidoo. Menzi Masuku brought Pirates level when he netted in the 12th minute. They had to wait until the final minute for the second time in two matches to get the winner, which came via Masalaelo Seanego’s boot.
Bidvest Wits 2-1 Pirates
5 October – Bidvest Stadium in Milpark, Johannesburg
Pirates visited Bidvest Wits, who had drawn their first two matches, in the third round. The home side opened the scoring through Asive Langwe’s header in the 29th minute. They continued to frustrate the visitors with Erwin Isaacs, Langwe and Mthokozisi Msomi linking up well up front. But Pirates managed to get the equaliser five minutes before fulltime when Katlego Ntwaisha pounced on a loose ball. Msomi became the hero as he found the back of the net in the 89th minute to give Wits their first victory.
Pirates 1-0 Black Aces
11 October – Tuks Stadium, Pretoria
The Buccaneers faced Mpumalanga Black Aces in their next match, where they brought first team players Tlou Segolela, Lehlogonolo Maselela, Khethokwakhe Masuku and goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo. That helped them dominate the match as youngsters Menzi Masuku and Siphesihle Sangweni thrived in the presence of their experienced teammates. Pirates’ goal, which proved to be enough to claim all three points, was scored by captain Segolela in the 39th minute.
Pirates 1-2 Platinum Stars 12 October – Tuks Stadium, Pretoria
Coach Augusto Palacios rested most of the players, who were in action the previous day, against Platinum Stars in their next match. The coach still had the privilege of fielding experienced defender Rooi Mahamutsa, who captained the side. They opened the scoring in the 12th minute via the boot of Sibusiso Mahlangu. Stars got the equaliser through 15-year-old sensation Kobamelo Kodisang after 27 minutes. The youngster became the hero for the Rustenburg side when he netted again in the 52nd minute to sink Pirates.
Free State Stars 1-2 Pirates
19 October – Goble Park Stadium, Free State
Pirates’ next assignment was a trip to Free State Stars in the sixth round of the competition, where they were looking to bounce back. It didn’t begin as they could have hoped as Stars were the first to score, with Jackson Maphathe finding the back of the net after 22 minutes. The home side looked sure to claim the three points until the 80th minute when Siyanda Ngubo got Pirates the equaliser. The Striker struck again two minutes later to hand his side the win and seal their place in the knockout round, with a game to spare.
Orlando Pirates 4-0 Sundowns
26 October – Kaleshewe Stadium in Kimberley, North West
Their final match was against leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who were leading Pirates by two points. A win was going to help either team finish top of Group B. The Buccaneers went to the break enjoying a 2-0 lead courtesy of Thabo Rakhale’s strike in the 16th minute and Menzi Masuku’s penalty five minutes before halftime. Substitute Letsie Koapeng netted Pirates’ third after 70 minutes and Siphesihle Sangweni completed the rout six minutes later.
Group stage record: P7 W5 D0 L1 GF12 GA6 GD6 Pts15
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