Mthethwa takes Pirates into Nedbank Cup final

JOHANNESBURG - Super substitute Sandile Mthethwa struck again as Orlando Pirates edged arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 after extra time in Johannesburg on Saturday in a Nedbank Cup semi-final.

The tall defender came off the bench in a tense match watched by a sell-out 93,000 crowd to nod the winning goal on 114 minutes off a cross from another substitute, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.

Mthethwa converted the decisive penalty in a quarter-final shootout last month to eliminate third-division surprise packets Dondol United.

Kermit Erasmus gave Pirates the lead after 14 minutes by pushing a Monnapule Saleng cross into the net for one of the easiest goals of his 17-year professional career.

Yusuf Maart, scorer of a wonder goal from his own half in a league win over Pirates this season, levelled on 79 minutes by racing on to a pass and firing past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

Victory was particularly sweet for Pirates as they lost their last five matches against Chiefs in all competitions.

"I am so happy for everyone in the Pirates 'family' -- the players, technical staff, officials and supporters," said Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, who is in his first season at the club.

"We have lost a lot of matches against Chiefs in the past few seasons so it is nice to finally turn the tables.

"The players became a little too conservative after we took an early lead, but we pushed hard for a winner in extra time and deserved to succeed."

Riveiro is now poised to lift two of three trophies on offer as Pirates won the MTN 8, a knockout competition for the top eight league finishers in the previous season.

Mamelodi Sundowns won the league and Pirates will come second, and secure a place in the 2024 CAF Champions League, if they win their remaining two fixtures.

Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane said: "We had enough scoring opportunities to reach the final, but paid a high price for not taking them.

"After we equalised, I felt Pirates were there for the taking and counted at least four opportunities we squandered to score before conceding again."

Losing means Chiefs, winners of a record 54 domestic titles since being formed in 1970, will complete eight consecutive seasons without lifting a trophy.

Stellenbosch host Sekhukhune United on Sunday in the other semi-final and the final is set for Pretoria on May 27.