Maswanganyi’s first half brilliance sends Pirates into Nedbank Cup round of 16
Richards Bay (0) 1
Mbuthuma 47’
Orlando Pirates (2) 3
Maswanganyi 22, 26; Mabasa 90+3
A first half brace by Patrick Maswaanganyi guided Orlando Pirates to victory over Richards Bay and a place in the round of 16 of the Nedbank Cup at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
The Buccaneers kicked off their defence with a professional display that saw them weather a tough second period, before a third by Tshegofatso Mabas in stoppage time confirmed the result. Maswanganyi found the breakthrough with a stunner from outside the box after reasonable pressure from Pirates early on.
He was teed up by Relebohile Mofokeng, who unselfishly laid the ball in his path after getting on the end of a cutback from Mohau Nkota. Four minutes later, it was Maswanganyi at the doubles as he and Mofokeng combined again to score a second goal in a short space of time.
The hosts were at sixes and sevens defensively as they failed to track their men and Maswanganyi completed his brace thanks to a delightful set up by Mofokeng inside the box.
The Natal Rich Boys seemingly found a way back into the game as they scored just two minutes into the second half, Yanela Mbuthuma with the decisive touch.
Perfect sunny conditions in Umlazi made for what should’ve been a tasty cup affair, with both teams eager to advance to the next round.
With the Soweto derby on the horizon, Sipho Chaine was handed a well-deserved rest in this encounter and due to the fact that he was a yellow card away from suspension, with Melusi Buthelezi selected between the sticks in his stead.
Still on cloud nine following a historic win in the CAF Champions League, a lot was expected from the Buccaneers against a struggling Natal Rich Boys. With their Betway Premiership difficulties under the spotlight, Richards Bay were desperate for a relief in tournament football.
With the hopes of the Sea Robbers on his back, Relebohile Mofokeng began the match with much enterprise and caused immediate problems down the left flank.
His imagination c aused issues for Richards Bay right back Siyand Dube, who was booked after 10 minutes after dragging Mofokeng’s shirt during a counter attack. From there, Pirates took charge of the game and found the goals to boot.
The hosts could’ve halved the deficit if not for poor finishing as they smashed the upright in the 33rd minutes after fine inter-play.
Full back Nkosikhona Ndaba made an unfamiliar foray to the line and his cut was expertly left by Yanelo Mbuthuma but Thato Mohlamme’s effort at the far post smashed the crossbar and then the back of Buthelezi before going out for a corner.
Richards Bay emerged a different side from the half time break and scored a quick goal before creating another in the 51st minute.
They should have been level as that man Gumede again found space on the right but his low cross was somehow missed by both Mohlamme and Mbuthuma in the box.
Pirates managed the final period of the game by throwing in experienced heads like captain Innocent Maela as well as Kabelo Dlamini in midfield as reaffirmed the game to see out the result.