Five In A Row! Mbuthuma Shines As Dominant Pirates Cruise Into MTN8 Final By Beating Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates reached a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 final after sweeping past Sekhukhune United 3-0 in the second leg of their semi-final tie at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

Much-maligned striker Yanela Mbuthuma delivered a star performance for the Buccaneers, providing two brilliant first-half assists for Thapelo Mokobodi and Gape Lungu. Although Sekhukhune put up a fight after the break, substitute Kamogelo Sebelebele sealed the victory in stoppage time.

Pirates remain untouchable in the competition, having not suffered an exit since their elimination by Moroka Swallows in the 2021/22 season. Hours before kickoff, Pirates confirmed that tickets for the high-stakes clash had officially sold out as fans gathered to see the Soweto giants push for a record-extending fifth consecutive final appearance.

The Buccaneers carried a 1-0 aggregate lead into the match following Deon Hotto’s stunning first-leg winner at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Facing Babina Noko for the third straight time in eight days—following a 2-0 midweek league triumph at Orlando Stadium—Pirates entered as heavy favorites.

Sekhukhune signaled early intent when Gape Lungu’s sharp header was tipped over by Toaster Nsabata, who started in goal ahead of Melusi Buthelezi. However, Pirates soon hit on the counter. Oswin Appollis released the surging Mbuthuma, who delivered a precise cross for Mokobodi to open the scoring in the 37th minute.

Just before half-time, Pirates doubled their lead on the day and made it 3-0 on aggregate. Another counter-attack sparked by Appollis and Mbuthuma saw the tall striker beat his marker before laying the ball off to Lungu, who finished cleanly past Nsabata at the near post.

Sekhukhune—operating without head coach Cedric Kaze on the touchline due to his midweek red card suspension—were left needing four unanswered goals to turn the tie around.

Mbuthuma’s commanding first-half display handsomely rewarded the patience of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has consistently defended the young forward from supporter criticism.

Babina Noko pressed hard in the second half. Former Pirates defender Siyabonga Ndlovu tested Sipho Chaine’s gloves from a tight angle, and the visitors created several promising chances during their best spell of the match.

However, Pirates absorbed the pressure and added gloss to the scoreline in the 93rd minute when Sebelebele combined with Tshepang Moremi to slot home the third goal.

Orlando Pirates now await the winner of the second semi-final clash between Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns to decide who will meet them in the 2026 MTN8 showpiece.