By: Nhlanhla Ndlovu

Orlando Pirates knocked Supersport United on penalties following a two all draw after 120 minutes at the Mbombela Stadium  on Sunday in the MTN8 quarter-final clash.

Pirates managed to come back twice in the game to level the score in each second half.  Thabo Matlaba’s own goal gave United the lead in the first half and Lennox Bacela levelled the score in the second half.

In the first half of the extra time, Mogogi Gabonamong gave United another lead. Bacela levelled the score again and the game went to penalties. Pirates won by 4-3.

Pirates coach Roger De Sa was happy with Thulasizwe Mbuyane’s contribution in the match.

“Juju (Mbuyane) has been hungry to play and when you get given a chance you have to grab it,” said De Sa on the Pirates website.

Kermit Erasmus dribbling Sibusiso Khumalo at the Mbombela Stadium.
Featured Picture: Lennox Bacela celebrating one of the goals he scored against united
Pictures by: Soccer Laduma

“He showed tremendous maturity as he came on and played some good touches – he provided the assist for Lennox’s (Bacela) second goal and all credit goes to him for contributing in a great way here tonight,” De Sa continued as stated by the Pirates website.

According to the website, he added, “He is not at his best but was able to give us quite a lot; let us hope he gets to his peak form soon because we need his experience in the team.”

The Buccaneers joined Kaizer Chiefs, Platinum Stars and Bidvest Wits in the last four. The semi-final draw will be made tomorrow.