Orlando Pirates etched their name in history as they defeated Stellenbosch 3-0 in the MTN8 final played at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night.
In defeating the men from the Winelands in the final for the second season running, the Buccaneers became the first team in the history of South African football to claim the same domestic cup title for the fourth year running. They overcame the same opponents they prevailed over at a similar stage last season to further underline their dominance in the competition.
Only four players that started the previous final were present in the starting lineup for the defending champions, and two of them orchestrated the game’s first shot at. That first attempt came from the boot of Thalente Mbatha who won an early free kick before getting on the end of Deon Hotto’s chip from the set piece and knocking his effort wide.
They remained on the ascendancy with Relebohile Mofokeng unleashing a shot from inside the box, but not finding the target as his effort was deflected away from the Stellies goal. Further attempts at goal came from the midfield pair of Mbatha and Sipho Mbule, but neither could find a way past Sage Stephens.
The game’s first quarter continued to belong to the hosts, whose goal was rarely threatened throughout the opening half hour. The visitors however had their bright moments – the best of which came just before halftime when Andre de Jong looked to shoot from inside the box, but wasn’t afforded an opportunity to get his effort away.