By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates stayed on course to defending the Nedbank Cup following a 3-1 semi-final victory over Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday.
A Kabelo Dlamini first-half brace, first in as early as the fifth minute and then four minutes before the break, set the Buccaneers on their winning path.
Elmo Kambindu reduced the arrears for the Chilli Boys in the 63rd minute before Tapelo Xoki made a comeback difficult for the hosts with another goal nine minutes from the final whistle.
It became worse for Chippa when Bienvenu Eva Nga was red-carded in the 88th minute
It is now the 10th time that Pirates have reached the Nedbank Cup final during the Premier Soccer League era. They will meet the winners of the Stellenbosch and Mamelodi Sundowns clash in the final.
Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley returned for the hosts to take up the number one spot after being an unused substitute in their midweek Premier Soccer League clash with Moroka Swallows.
Also back for Chippa was ex-Pirates defender Justice Chabalala, but the trio of Azola Ntsabo, Baraka Majogoro and captain Roscoe Pietersen were suspended while Goodman Mosele was injured.
The Soweto giants welcomed back midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula and attacker Patrick Maswanganyi who were both returning from suspension.
Pirates showed intent from the start and Tshegofatso Mabasa forced Stanley to block his shot from close range off a Relebohile Mofokeng cross.
Shortly after, Nwabali was hapless and could not do anything to save Dlamini’s well-struck freekick which was the attacker’s second goal in the tournament this season.
The Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro was forced to alter his plans after 18 minutes when Deon Hotto was forced off through injury and replaced by captain Innocent Maela.
Dlamini then returned to punish a hesitant Chippa defence when he slotted in a cross from Patrick Maswanganyi to extend Pirates’ lead.
Chippa had an opportunity to pull one goal back when Bienvenu Eva Nga nicely set up Kambindu, who instead of charging towards goal to face Sipho Chaine, turned back to give Pirates defenders time to recover and block him.
But the Namibian forward then made up for being wasteful earlier on, sliding into the net an Eva Nga low cross.
Xoki then restored Pirates’ two-goal lead when he jumped and stretched his leg long to connect a Maswanganyi cross.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates forward Kabelo Dlamini fires from a freekick against Chippa United
Image source: Orlando Pirates
