Pirates fail to impress as they progress to last 16

The Bucs were pushed by a determined Richards Bay and in the end experience won it for them

January 26, 20252 min read

Orlando Pirates survived a scare to beat Richards Bay 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup last 32 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday to progress to the last 16.

It was far from impressive from the Buccaneers as they were pushed by a determined Bay side and in the end experience won it for them. They looked disjointed after taking a quick 2-0 lead.

The Natal Rich Boyz will feel unfortunate as they had enough chances but could not convert them. They were probably the best side in the second half.

Patrick Maswanganyi scored a brace and Tshegofatso Mabasa scored late to help the defending champions progress, while Yanele Mbuthuma scored the consolation goal for the home side.

The Buccaneers were without captain Nkosinathi Sibisi who was serving a one-match suspension, while Melusi Buthelezi started ahead of Sipho Chaine, who was one match away from suspension.

The Natal Rich Boyz missed Justice Figareiro and Moses Mthembu.

Jose Riveiro’s Pirates made a lively start and pressure eventually paid off as Maswanganyi broke the deadlock with a shot from the edge of the box that looped away from goalkeeper Ian Otieno in the 22nd minute after he combined with Relebohile Mofokeng.

Maswanganyi completed his brace four minutes later after he combined with Mofokeng again to make it 2-0.

After scoring the goals, Pirates were guilty of taking their foot off the pedal and allowing Bay to come at them and had chances to score.

Thato Mohlame was unfortunate not to pull a goal back with a strike that ricocheted off the post. That encouraged the home side as moments later, Somila Ntsundwana had a chance but his volley was off target as they finished the half the stronger.

Bay pulled one back through Mbuthuma who slotted home a rebound after Buthelezi parried the ball back to play immediately after the interval.

The Buccaneers struggled to get going in the second half. The home side kept on asking questions and created chances but missed them.

Pirates were too casual in the second half as the hosts were in control. Bay were made to rue their chances as Mabasa sealed the victory deep into time added on when he slotted home after a through ball by Kabelo Dlamini, despite not seeing much of the ball in the second half.