Nedbank Cup
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-0 Uthongathi
Date: 06 February 2021
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates claimed a 1-0 victory over GladAfrica Championship outfit Uthongathi FC to secure a spot in the Nedbank Cup last 16.
Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabiso Sesane, Ben Motshwari and Gabadinho Mhango came into the Pirates' starting line-up as coach Josef Zinnbauer made four changes.
Deon Hotto was the first to force a save out of the keeper, as his shot from a set-piece situation was aided by some tricky bounce on its way.
Ben Motshwari was then played in by Siphesihle Ndlovu and he took a shot which sailed just over the bar. Soon after, Ndlovu went on his own this time around, but was comfortably denied.
Other than Pirates' efforts from distance, chances were few and far between in the opening period as the sides went into the break all square.
Five minutes after the interval, Deon Hotto shot for goal but didn't find the target before Khetukuthula Ndlovu had a good chance to give Uthongathi a shock lead but dragged his shot wide.
Soon after, the Bucs finally broke the deadlock. Gabadinho Mhango met a cross from Hotto before nutmegging Uthongathi keeper Njabulo Ncgobo.
Uthongathi were presented with a rare chance from a corner as Francis Mooketsi Baloyi's effort was easily held onto by Pirates substitute keeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
With seven minutes to go, Uthongathi had perhaps their best chance of the game but Chaine's lack of finesse allowed Mpontshane to save.
Jean-Marc Makusu Mundele had a golden opportunity to bury the game once and for all after meeting a cross but his header went wide and then Thabang Monare left the crossbar rattling with a fierce long-range drive with the very final move of the game as Pirates came away with victory courtesy of just the single goal.
Here's how they started:
Pirates: Ofori, Hlatshwayo, Jele, Sesane, Maela, Monare, Motshwari, Ndlovu, Lorch, Hotto, Mhango.
Subs: Mpontshane, Mundele, Dzvukumajna, Tshobeni, Mntambo, Muwowo, Zungu, Dlamni, Makaringe.
Uthongathi: Ngcobo, Dlamini, Cele, Nxadi, Magawana, Slawula, Hlongwa, Maleka, Maphumulo, Ndlovu, Baloyi.
Subs: Amonome, Chaine, Lesoua, Ngcobo, Phiri, Silangwe, Zwane, Kunene, Shezi.
Check out how Pirates have assembled their strong squad for the 2020/21 season
