Sebelebele Credits Team Energy For Pirates’ Victory

Orlando Pirates star player Kamogelo Sebelebele believes the energy shared within the team at halftime was key to their comeback against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semifinal.

Sebelebele, who has been a standout player since his move from TS Galaxy, scored the crucial equalizer in the 2-2 aggregate draw at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

A Hero’s Performance

Sebelebele’s goal canceled out Iqraam Rayners’ strike, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. The Buccaneers held their nerve, converting all four of their penalties while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made two crucial saves. This victory followed Sebelebele’s goal in the 1-1 first-leg draw at Orlando Stadium last weekend, cementing his reputation as a big-game player.

“We started it slow, but at halftime we spoke in the changing room and those guys on the bench helped us with energy,” Sebelebele said. “We needed everyone.”

Looking Ahead to the Final

Pirates will now face Stellenbosch in the final on 13 September. The match is expected to be held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, a venue that holds both good and bittersweet memories for Sebelebele.

The final will be a rematch of last season’s MTN8 final, which Pirates won 3-1. However, for Sebelebele, it marks his second career final. In the 2023/24 season, while with TS Galaxy, he lost to Stellenbosch in the Carling Knockout final at the very same venue.

This time, he is determined to win the top prize. “It will be my second final professionally and [this time] I want the gold medal,” said Sebelebele, who also scored against Stellenbosch midweek in a league match.

He concluded with a message for the fans: “We want to make our supporters happy who came in numbers, and all the time we want to make them happy.”