Orlando Pirates are off to Durban after they booked themselves a place in the MTN8 final following a 3-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at a packed Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon.
The Brazilians had the lion’s share of the ball possession, however that was not enough as the Buccaneers made it count where it mattered the most – scoring goals.
The Buccaneers went to the half-time break leading 1-0 after Kermit Erasmus had scored against his former team when he headed in from Monnapule Saleng’s cross in the eighth minute.
Saleng ensured that there was no doubt about going to Durban as he scored Pirates’ second goal in the 83rd following a pass from Zakhele Lepasa.
Match referee Thando Ndzandzeka reduced Sundowns to 10 men when he sent off Aubrey Modiba for a second bookable offence in added time.
Pirates took advantage of that and Saleng completed his brace just before Ndzandzeka blew the final whistle.
Pirates are going to face the winner of Sunday’s MTN8 semi-final between AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs. This match is set for Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium – the venue for the final on Saturday, 5 November.
