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Pirates fight back to win third consecutive MTN title

rugby05 October 2024 18:30| Β© Backpage TXT
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Orlando Pirates were crowned MTN 8 champions for the third year running after they battled back from an early goal down to beat Stellenbosch 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Bradley Mojela opened the scoring in stunning fashion on 13 minutes, but Jose Riveiro's side equalised through Monnapule Saleng just before halftime to keep their title defence alive.

 

The match looked to be heading to extra time when Tshegofatso Mabasa struck in the 91st minute and Relebohile Mofokeng sealed the comeback win five minutes later to spark wild celebrations around the stadium.

The Maroons got off to a dream start when they hit the front after just 13 minutes in Durban. A long throw-in from the right was flicked on by Andre de Jong and Mojela gave Sipho Chaine no chance with an acrobatic scissors-kick that flew into the back of the net.

Pirates looked for a quick response and Patrick Maswanganyi curled a shot straight into the gloves of Sage Stephens on 15 minutes before Thabiso Monyane tested the goalkeeper midway through the first half after good link-up play with Deon Hotto.

Stephens was called into action again on 27 minutes to deny Maswanganyi from Hotto's cutback pass, while Chaine pulled off a fine save to his right to keep out an effort from Ibraheem Jabaar in the 31st minute.

However, the Soweto giants eventually found a reply two minutes before halftime as Saleng beat Stephens to register his fourth goal in four games.

Bucs made a bright start to the second half and Stephens came to Steve Barker side's rescue on 48 minutes when he turned Hotto's shot against the frame of the goal and he had to be at his best once more in the 69th minute to keep out Mofokeng from close range.

Stellies had a chance to win it in the final minute of regulation time as Genino Palace got on the end of Sanele Barns' corner, but flicked his header wide of the target.

The Sea Robbers made them pay moments later when Mabasa popped up with his second goal in the competition and Mofokeng completed the comeback deep into stoppage time.

There will certainly be some arguments around Mabasa's goal though, as the free-kick assist was taken from a spot nowhere near the foul, and much closer to the box.

That, however, is for another day. For now, it's hat-trick celebration time for Bucs fans.

Orlando Pirates (1) 3 (Saleng 43', Mabasa 90'+1, Mofokeng 90'+6)

Stellenbosch (1) 1 (Mojela 12')

Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, T. Monyane, T. Sesane, N. Sibisi, I. Maela (R. Mofokeng 62'), T. Mbatha (S. Rasebotja 74'), M. Makhaula (K. Dlamini 66'), M. Saleng, P. Maswanganyi, D. Hotto, E. Makgopa (T. Mabasa 66').

Stellenbosch: S. Stephens, T. Moloisane, I. Toure, A. Mcaba, F. Basadien, D. Titus (L. Phili 85'), I. Jabaar, S. Nduli (C. Butsaka 57'), J. Adams, B. Mojela (S. Barns 74'), A. de Jong (G. Palace 85').

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