By Michael Madyira
Zakhele Lepasa struck a hat-trick as Orlando Pirates hammered Sekhukhune United 5-0 at Orlando Stadium to reach the MTN8 semi-finals on Saturday.
Lepasa opened his account on 22 minutes, added his second in the 56th and sealed his treble with three minutes remaining.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s 59th-minute strike and Monnapule Saleng’s goal on 62 minutes also contributed to the rout.
It was a glorious evening for 26-year-old Lepasa who could have ended the match with more goals had he not missed from the penalty spot and also denied by the upright post.
It was a follow-up to the brace he grabbed in the midweek Premier Soccer League 4-2 win over Royal AM.
Saturday’s result was Sekhukhune’s heaviest defeat in the top-flight while Pirates coach Jose Riveiro remains unbeaten in knockout matches while in charge of the Buccaneers.
No changes were made by the Spaniard from the squad that started in midweek against Royal AM.
As Pirates dominated play, Lepasa continued with his purple patch by tapping in a Patrick Maswanganyi cross to put his side ahead.
It was a first half where the Soweto giants could have taken a healthy lead but Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo had his shot crashes against the upright.
Lepasa also witnessed his headed effort being denied by the woodwork.
Seven minutes into the second half, Sekhukhune won a penalty when Paseka Mako brought Chibuike Ohizu down inside the box.
The Nigerian striker’s penalty hit the upright to give Pirates relief.
Soon after, Lepasa ghosted Edwin Gyimah and finished a rebound after Saleng had hit the post from an acute angle.
It was an eventful period, as shortly after, Ndlondlo beat Sekhukhune goalkeeper Badra Sangare with the aid of a Gyimah deflection.
The three goals had sapped out the energy of Babina Noko and that provided leeway for the fourth from Saleng, pouncing on a rebound off Gyimah who was having a torrid evening.
It was now the hosts’ turn to try from the penalty spot after substitute Deon Hotto was fouled inside the box and Lepasa skied his kick.
The Bafana Bafana striker was to make amends with three minutes to go when he turned in a Hotto cross.
Pictured above: Zakhele Lepasa
Image source: PSL
