Orlando Pirates will go into their Nedbank Cup semifinal clash with Marumo Gallants as heavy favourites … and history is on their side too.
The Buccaneers have won all six previous visits to the semifinal stage of the competition, a remarkable show of consistency that has seen them lift the trophy on four occasions since 2008.
They will be odds-on to make it seven in a row when they host the Free State club, who were themselves 2021 Nedbank Cup champions and also made the final the following year.
This season with be the first time since 2011 that Pirates will play a home semifinal, with their last five fixtures at this stage of the competition having seen them on the road.
Here is a recap of Pirates’ previous six Nedbank Cup semifinals.
2011
ORLANDO PIRATES 1-0 MPUMALANGA BLACK ACES
Pirates were made to work hard against the 2008 finalists, but a goal in extra-time from Tlou Segolela finally sealed the contest in their favour. It was 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes, but Segolela netted the decisive goal with 10 minutes remaining in extra-time.
2014
MARITZBURG UNITED 1-2 ORLANDO PIRATES
Pirates travelled to KwaZulu-Natal for this last-4 clash. An unfortunate Mario Booysen own goal and a strike from Mpho Makola set Pirates on their way, but it was a nervy finish when Terrence Mandaza pulled a goal back for Maritzburg with 17 minutes remaining.
2016
FREE STATE STARS 2-4 ORLANDO PIRATES
An own goal from Lucky Mohomi gave Pirates the lead in Bethlehem and Luvuyo Memela added a second before halftime. Ayanda Nkosi pulled a goal back for Stars 10 minutes after halftime, but Memela’s second and a strike from Thamsanqa Gabuza settled the contest. Mohomi scored at the right end for a late consolation for Stars.
2017
LAMONTVILLE GOLDEN ARROWS 0-1 ORLANDO PIRATES
This game was settled by a first half strike from an unlikely source as defender Abbubaker Mobara netted for Pirates after 35 minutes. He had also netted in the previous round against Bloemfontein Celtic, which were his only two goals in three seasons with The Buccaneers. In fact, he has only eight goals in 13 years playing in the South African topflight.
2023
KAIZER CHIEFS 1-2 ORLANDO PIRATES
A Soweto Derby for this semifinal, which Pirates eventually won in extra-time. Kermit Erasmus gave them the lead, but Yusuf Maart equalised for Chiefs to take the game into the added 30 minutes. Sandile Mthethwa, who this season scored a most unlikely hat-trick for AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup, came up with the winner.
2024
CHIPPA UNITED 1-3 ORLANDO PIRATES
Kabelo Dlamini’s first half brace set Pirates on their way to the win in Gqeberha, but when Elmo Kambindu pulled a goal back for Chippa United, it was game on. Pirates weathered a storm, but Tapelo Xoki came up with a third goal nine minutes from the end and they were able to see out the remainder of the game.