Thursday | April 15, 2021

It came across as if Orlando Pirates provoked a ruthless enemy when they came crashing down 4-1 at the hands of the all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Thursday night.

The fixture was a quarter-final Nedbank Cup game between the two decorated PSL clubs billed April 15. Playing at home, Sundowns drew first blood through their lethal marksman, Peter Shalulile. Tshegofatso Mabaso restored parity for Pirates before the break.

In the second half, the host regained the lead courtesy of the ever-mesmerizing Themba Zwane, one of the top-goal scorers in local football. Then fresh from the dugout (came in for Gaston), Lesedi Alton Kapinga rattled the back of the net to set the 3-1 beyond Pirates’ reach.

Echoing Kapinga, Hlompho Kekana smashed the ball hard to drill the final nail in Pirates’ coffin a few minutes into the game as a substitute for Lebohang Maboe. Then Orlando Pirates were done. Blown out of the park. The game ended 4-1. 

Pirates’ exit means Sundowns are left to face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. On another semi-final Pretoria Callies will take on Chippa United on Saturday afternoon, April 17.