Mbokazi Credits Half-Time Talk For Pirates’ MTN8 Comeback
Orlando Pirates’ imposing vice-captain, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, has revealed that a crucial half-time talk was the turning point that allowed the team to bounce back and secure a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semifinal first leg.
Pirates were trailing in the first half after a powerful header from Teboho Mokoena at Orlando Stadium. However, the team came back strong in the second half, with Mbokazi playing a key role in the equalizer.
Sundowns’ strategy of trying to play deep to create an offside trap was bypassed by a long ball from Mbokazi.
The pass found Kamogela Sebelebele, who sprinted clear of the defense and slotted the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for the equalizer. At that point, Abdelsam Ouaddou’s side was on top, and Sundowns were forced to defend.
“It was a very difficult game,” Mbokazi said.
“It was a tough game, but we tried. During the half-time team talk with the coach and the technical staff, they let us know what to do to get back in the game, and we gained confidence from that.”
He added that the team motivated themselves by saying it “was not over for us.” “We got the goal because we were fighting. We worked on each other in every aspect of the game,” he said.
The match was played in front of a sold-out, packed stadium in Soweto.
“To our supporters, we are thankful for what they have done to come out in large numbers, and I hope next time they will be with us to continue to win,” said Mbokazi, who captained the team in the absence of the injured Nkosinathi Sibisi. “To see them turning out in huge numbers gives us hope to come back in this game.”
The Buccaneers, with Mbokazi leading the defense, will look to continue their momentum from the second half when they meet Sundowns again for the second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates are the defending champions of the MTN8 after winning the cup for the third time in a row. If they can overcome Sundowns, they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch in the final on 13 September.
