By Michael Madyira
A spirited second-half performance saw Orlando Pirates dismiss All Stars FC 2-0 at Bidvest Stadium to progress to the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 on Saturday.
Monnapule Saleng and a returning Thembinkosi Lorch sent Pirates to the next round with their goals in the 62nd and 71st minutes respectively.
It was a step by the Buccaneers in their bid to clinch the Nedbank Cup, a trophy they last won in 2014.
The Soweto giants are the second-most successful team in this competition with eight titles and they have now set themselves up for a chance to further progress.
They were facing National First Division side All Stars at a Bidvest Stadium pitch that had waterlogged pockets restricting the movement of the ball.
All Stars gave themselves hope of emerging victorious from this contest after limiting Pirates in the opening half.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro tweaked his team, handing Terrence Dzvukamanja a start ahead of Kermit Erasmus who was on the bench.
The absence of suspended captain Innocent Maela and Nkosinathi Sibisi saw Sandile Mthethwa starting his first competitive match this season, partnering skipper of the day Tapelo Xoki at the heart of defence.
It took 31 minutes for the first meaningful scoring opportunity to come when Saleng’s shot had All Stars goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali paring it to safety and in the process injuring himself.
Mthethwa thought he had broken the deadlock in the 38th minute after beating Mtshali but his goal was judged offside.
It was a first half of a few chances but Pirates came back from the breather more determined.
After a number of his crosses found no takers, Saleng took matters into his own hands and had to beat four All Stars defenders plus Mtshali off a Dzvukamanja cross to send Pirates ahead.
On 65 minutes, Riveiro was read-carded, leaving assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi to deliver instructions from the dugout.
The dismissal of their coach did not appear to affect Pirates as the hosts continued being restricted.
All Stars’ efforts of a comeback were frustrated by Lorch whose grounder saw him score for the first time since May 2022.
Deon Hotto then forced a brilliant save from Mtshali before Dzvukamanja shot just wide with seven minutes remaining.
Pirates protected their lead as Lorch made his presence felt since his last competitive match in August 2022.
Pictured above: All Stars vs Orlando Pirates
Image source: Orlando Pirates
