“Baby Haaland” Debuts As Hotto Rocket Gives Pirates MTN8 Advantage Over Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates hold a distinct advantage after edging Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers have been the undisputed kings of this competition, winning it for a record fourth consecutive season—an unprecedented feat in the tournament’s 57-year history across all iterations.

With Pirates looking largely untroubled in Limpopo, their dominance in the competition appears set to continue as they carry a crucial lead into next weekend’s second leg. Furthermore, Pirates have never lost a second-leg MTN8 semi-final, a historical record that serves as a stern warning to Sekhukhune.

Additionally, the Soweto giants remain unbeaten in MTN8 action since their quarter-final exit against Moroka Swallows at the Orlando Amstel Arena during the 2021/22 season.

Pirates went into Saturday’s clash without key playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi, whose absence fueled growing speculation regarding reported interest from Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids FC in Egypt.

The first half proved to be a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances. Deon Hotto tested the defense early with a curling free-kick, but Sekhukhune goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi reacted quickly to make the save.

Hotto remained a constant threat down the left flank and broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. Capitalizing on hesitant Sekhukhune defending, the Namibian international combined superbly on the edge of the box with Gamphani Lungu before firing a thundering strike into the roof of the net. The goal gave Pirates a vital away cushion—a welcome relief after failing to score in their previous two league meetings against Babina Noko.

Pirates controlled the tempo for most of the match, while Sekhukhune relied on sporadic counter-attacks. Bright Ndlovu fought hard as a long strike, but the hosts struggled to create quality chances.

Pirates maintained their grip in the second half, though Sipho Chaine was called into action to tip a scuffed effort from Thabo Mkhwana around the post for a corner.

The match also saw the highly anticipated debut of new signing Sebastian Pedersen, dubbed “Baby Haaland” by the Pirates faithful. Fans expect the striker to deliver as the club looks to defend its domestic treble. Pedersen immediately experienced the physical nature of South African football when defender Daniel Cardoso brought him down with a heavy challenge that earned a yellow card.

Shortly after, Pedersen broke clear on goal, but the ball took a awkward bobble, causing his shot to sail high over the crossbar.

Sekhukhune delivered a flat performance, as reflected by head coach Cédric Kaze’s frustrated demeanor in the dugout. Playing cautiously in the first leg, Babina Noko must now take the game to Pirates in Soweto—a scenario that could leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Before the second-leg showdown, the two sides will face each other midweek at the Orlando Amstel Arena in a Betway Premiership clash.

In the other MTN8 semi-final first leg, Mamelodi Sundowns host Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.