Orlando Pirates Blasts Kaizer Chiefs To Reach MTN-8 Finals.

Kaizer Chiefs were never going to beat a team whose moment had come, Orlando Pirates today. They played a dull first half without any risks from either side. There were occasional kick and rush moments that were neutralised by bad passing. Tackles were little bit careless in midfield. Chiefs were not going to expose their rear guard for nothing and their lack of committment in attack took the spark from the derby.

Abia Nale and Simphiwe Tshabalala dictated the pace of the proceedings and slowing the match to their advantage. They tried to thread the ball through to Mandla Masango and Knowledge Musona who were a little wasteful, being well-monitored by Lucky Lekgwathi. Diane Klate, Thulane Mabuyane  and Dikgang Mabalane were well supported in attack by Isaac Chansa. Pirates depended on their pace going into the final third but over-elaborated in the box being wasteful. Andile Jali was very instrumental in winning the balls in midfield.

The second half started with a more calculated rate from both sides and Chiefs created better chances that included a strike against the bar in the 51st minute, with Monoeeb Joseph soundly beaten. Pirates responded with further creation of chances after introducing Katlego Mashego and Tlou Segolela. Chiefs became more resolute with Tinashe Nengomashe being called in to neutralise the Buccaneer effect.

The Happy Peoples seemed a little anxious and desperate to construct purposeful offensive raids as they rushed their penetration. The 78% ball possession could not be translated into anything meaningful. The trademark wasteful nature of the Sea Robbers was vivid as Mahamutsa could have scored from close range in the 67th minute.

Mbuyane could not be outdone by Mahamutsa as he wasted the what was the chance of the match, until the penalty miss, with only 16 minute of play remaining. Segolela proved he is the fasted player in South Africa as he chased lose balls and crossing the ball before anyone arrived in the box. Klate could have done with a few inches to nod Tlou's crosses. A taller Mayambela replaced Klate in the 76th minute. 

It took a fluid move from the back to the right wing. Mashego finished off Mbuyane's cross in the 81st minute. Mashego took a first time shot to beat Itumeleng Khune at the far post. Amakhosi started to push forward for an equaliser that was never going to be. It was a long through ball that Tlou ran for, and was brought down in the box and Mahamutsa had the luxury to balloon it over bar, blowing the chance to blow Chiefs away convincingly.   

The Buccaneers held on to book a date with the Soweto giants, Moroka Swallows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday next week at 20:15. The Dube Birds dispatched Ajax Cape Town in the other semi-finals. Happy people will surely spend a glorious week.