Pirates look to keep remarkable Nedbank Cup run going

Orlando Pirates are currently on a nine-game unbeaten streak in the Nedbank Cup, one of the longest stretches without outright defeat in the competition’s history.

They have some way to go beat the all-time record of 16 games set by Mamelodi Sundowns before the latter lost 2-1 to Stellenbosch FC in the quarterfinals last season.

Here is a reminder of Pirates’ remarkable run so far, which they could stretch to double figures if they avoid outright defeat in their 2024 quarterfinal at AmaZulu on April 13.

ORLANDO PIRATES 1 AMAZULU 0

February 6, 2022 – Last 32

Deon Hotto scored the only goal as Pirates advanced in this last 32 clash, though they were given a scare when future player Tapelo Xoki missed an 88th minute penalty for Usuthu. That proved heartbreak for the visitors and Pirates were able to hold on for the win.

MARUMO GALLANTS 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 1

March 9, 2022 – Last 16

After extra-time; Gallants won 5-4 on penalties

Pirates could only manage a draw and went out on penalties, but this result is listed as a stalemate in the record books as per Fifa regulations. Future Pirates player Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo put Gallants ahead from the penalty spot, though that joy was short-lived as Bandile Shandu equalised for The Buccaneers. The game went to spot-kicks and after scoring their first four, Pirates missed their next three to bow out.

ALL STARS 0 ORLANDO PIRATES 2

February 11, 2023 – Last 32

It took an hour for Pirates to make the breakthrough against second-tier All Stars as Monnapule Saleng and Thembinkosi Lorch eased the nerves of the side in the second period. It was a hard-fought clash that Pirates certainly did not have their own way.

ORLANDO PIRATES 2 VENDA FC 1

March 11, 2023 – Last 16

After extra-time

Another hard-fought clash against a second-tier side, Pirates led midway through the first period through Kermit Erasmus, but former Kaizer Chiefs forward Edmore Chirambadare equalised for Venda early in the second period. That sent the game to extra-time and Lorch came up with the winning moment in the 113th minute.

DONDOL STARS 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 1

April 15, 2023 – Quarterfinals

After extra-time; Pirates won 5-4 on penalties

Dondol Stars had already seen off SuperSport United and AmaZulu in the earlier rounds, but this was expected to be a comfortable cruise for Pirates. It proved anything but though as Lorch game them a second-half lead, only for Stars to hit back two minutes later through Tebogo Makungo. The game went to extra-time and penalties, with Pirates eventually triumphing 5-4 on spot-kicks.

KAIZER CHIEFS 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 2

May 6, 2023 – Semifinals

After extra-time

A Soweto Derby to add extra-spice to this semifinal and for the third game running Pirates were taken to extra-time. They led early on through Erasmus, but when Yusuf Maart equalised for Chiefs, the tie was thrown in the balance again. The winner came from an unlikely source as Sandile Mthethwa netted what remains his only goal in two years.

ORLANDO PIRATES 2 SEKHUKHUNE UNITED 1

May 27, 2023 – Final

Pirates had to come from behind to claim the title as Sibusiso Vilakazi put Sekhukhune into an early lead. Xoki equalised from the penalty-spot just before halftime, before Terrence Dzvukamanja prevented the game from going to extra-time with a 95th minute winner as The Buccaneers claimed the trophy.

CRYSTAL LAKE 0 ORLANDO PIRATES 6

February 24, 2024 – Last 32

Pirates came up against Mpumalanga fourth-tier side Crystal Lake and secured a handsome win. After an early own goal from the home side’s Adam Khumalo, Xoki scored twice (one penalty) to go with goals for Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa. It is their biggest win in the Nedbank Cup since 2008.

ORLANDO PIRATES 4 HUNGRY LIONS 0

March 16, 2024 – Last 16

Pirates eased past second-tier Hungry Lions with another big win this season, though the tie was perhaps closer than the scoreline suggests. A Morena Monaheng own goal had Pirates in front at the break, but it wasn’t until Mabasa scored on 66 minutes that they doubled their advantage. Saleng and Mabasa added further goals to give the score a more emphatic look.