Orlando Pirates dominate Baroka to effortlessly advance in Nedbank Cup

Obakeng Meletse

Orlando Pirates snuffed out any possibilities of an upset as they beat Baroka FC 3-1 in their Nedbank Cup clash at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers advanced to the last eight in their chase of a third consecutive Nedbank Cup title and they also maintained their unbeaten run against the NFD Motsepe Championship side in their 14 encounters.

In their own backyard for this crunch fixture, the Ghosts were haunted by the memories of their harsh league loss against Mamelodi Sundowns the week before but an opportunity to emphatically bounce back stood before them.

In a competition famous for having even the smallest of stones toppling the mightiest of giants, David has emerged victorious previously as the script that was written in the final of the then Telkom Knockout in 2018 was flipped with Bakgakga leaving Goliath humbled in defeat (3-2 penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time) in one of the all-time upsets in PSL history.

Jose Riveiro and his Buccaneers side have been a buzz that has been taking over every conversation throughout the week and as they set off in defence of a title they have won for the last two seasons, the writing was not quite on the wall.

Riveiro showed no room for complacency, not after the shock loss against Magesi FC earlier this season, as he announced a starting line-up matching the one that he saw fit to take on Sundowns a week ago with only Tshegofatso Mabasa coming in for Evidence Makgopa.

Bakgakga were always up against it coming into a fortress that not many walk away whole, and with the home side stacked with quality throughout the pitch, the Limpopo-based outfit held their own for almost half an hour.

It was only a matter of time, though, before Pirates showed their true hand as Patrick Maswanganyi’s pass through the visitors defenders found the in-form Deon Hotto.

The Namibian delivered a clever dummy to tear off Mabasa, who had the goal at his mercy for the Sea Robbers’ opener in the 30th minute. The goal did not only rip through Bakgakga’s faithful hearts, but it also messed with their confidence.

Pirates, like a hawk spotting its prey, were quick to exploit the spaces on offer and Maswanganyi was on hand this time around to supply Mabasa for his second of the day on the stroke of halftime.

The Buccaneers mentor was sitting comfortably with a commanding lead.

A colorful slaughterhouse was loud in song as they witnessed the home side stringing delightful passes from one end to another.

Mabasa has mastered the craft of scoring goals with effortless precision and his knack for creating acres of space for himself in the box with good movement, put him clear with a clever backheel from Maswanganyi.

That saw him through for his second assist of the match and Mabasa’s third of the day to shut the door on any possible comeback.

Baroka pulled one back through a well-taken shot at goal by Sydney Malivha, which caught Sipho Chaine on a half volley in the 75th minute to ensure a nervy finish to the contest.

In the end though, it was the Buccaneers that marched on to the last eight.