Orlando Pirates secure MTN8 semi-final spot with 2-0 victory over Polokwane City

ORLANDO PIRATES (2)(2)

Appollis 12’, Maswanganyi (p) 35’

POLOKWANE CITY (0)(0)

Orlando Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou steered the Sea Robbers’ ship to the calm waters of the MTN8 semi-final in his first game in charge on Saturday afternoon.

Ouddou’s team beat Polokwane 2-0 in the quarter-final at sold-out Orlando Stadium as they ushered in a new dawn for the new season.

This win meant that Pirates reached their fourth successive MTN8 semi-finals, something that will boost their confidence of winning a record-extending fourth crown.

It was an impressive start for Ouaddou as he team produced a performance that probably eased his nerves after an outstanding three-year spell under predecessor, Jose Riveiro.

Pirates played like a unit here, but they lacked a defensive midfield and marksman who would clean up and bury their chances upfront respectively.

The fact that the new players showed signs of adaptation must have also pleased Ouaddou, given all that’s expected of the team this season.

The Buccaneers are expected to challenge for every trophy, which is why it was crucial that they  give a good account of themselves here,and set a tone for the rest of the season.

So, they duly heeded to those expectations as Ouaddou’s boys took a healthy 2-0 lead into half-time, courtesy of Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswangayi’s goals.

Pirates started the game on a high note and  were appealing on the eye in their approach as the trio of Appollis, Sipho Mbule, and Relebohile Mofokeng were electrifying.

It was a pleasing display in attacking situations for Pirates so much so that Mbule lived up to his ‘Master Chef’ nickname, dishing up some watering through balls into the final third.

Mbule needed this sort of start, given that he had arrived at Pirates with high expectations, despite his career being muddied by ill-discipline issues at previous clubs.

Mbule was supported in ensuring that he settled into the game as Mofokeng continued with his silk-play and nippy feet which endeared him to the football fraternity.

But for all Pirates' bright start, they still needed a marksman who’d bury their through passes and Deon Hotto’s crosses in the final third.

Striker Boitumelo Radiopane, who’s seemingly getting a new breath of life under Ouaddou, struggled at times - often late for the final ball or not in possession when the need arose.

Radiopane, though, did make a contribution, holding up play before putting through, on the edge of the box, Appollis who picked his spot and curled his effort into Brian Wire’s far-post.

It was a dream start for Appollis, who haunted his former side, as the Ghost welcomed him in style, lighting up flares which engulfed the stadium.

But rather than building on the momentum and going for the jugular, Pirates’ performance flattened - something that was expected due to lack of match-fitness.

What also prompted the sluggish pace of the is the fact that Pirates lacked an anchor as Sihle Nduli moved high-up at time, resulting in Mbule and Co needing to backtrack.

Polokwane’s ineptness to exploit the loophole in Pirates’ midfield as their long balls approach was easily dealt with by Pirates defence.

Another electrifying attack from Pirates resulted in Appollis tossing and turning his markers inside the box before Monty Batlhabane opted to trip him, conceding a penalty.

Patrick Maswanganyi slotted home the spot, and cupped his ears to a rousing response from the Ghost who chanted ‘Tito, Tito, Tito’.

It was a dream half for the Pirates and Ouaaddou who was restless on the touchline, pacing up and down like a father-to be at a maternity ward, waiting for the birth of his son,

Rise and Shine, behind and with nothing to lose, took the game to Pirates in the opening stages of the first half, but Pirates’ defence quickly extinguished that fire.

That stability allowed Ouaddou to introduce fresh legs and new faces as Yanela Mbuthuma, Tshepang Moremi, Abdoulaye Mariko made their respective debuts.

The debutants ensured that Pirates protected their lead and came out victorious as they’ll now turn their focus to the start of the Betway Premiership on Saturday against Sekhukhune.