In all honesty, yesterday’s Nedbank Cup encounter between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates was not easy on the eye, and definitely not one of the best matches played this season.
The two teams, who have dished out some of the most tantalising football in recent weeks, huffed and puffed as they were backed by the notorious scorching sun in Polokwane, Limpopo. Pirates won the match 5-4 via penalty kicks after the game ended 2-2 after extra time.
When United equalised with a late goal and took the game into extra time, it must have felt like a real drag for the players, the coaches and even the supporters in the stands.
And when referee Olani Kwinda blew the final whistle, a huge sigh of relief was palpable from the players who have a very hectic schedule.
The Buccaneers advanced to the semi-finals of the Ke Yona Cup, the trophy that they won at the end of last season when they defeated league champions Mamelodi Sundowns in Mbombela.
If they dish out more performances of this ilk, Bucs will find it difficult to defend their cup.
Before the game, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said the competitions and schedule were getting to a point where they don’t really have time to train anymore.
“The time you spend on the training field with the players is not enough to make us feel satisfied as coaches. The players are in recovery mode, not only physically but mentally. Results are important right now. It’s difficult in this schedule if you are not getting good results. Winning helps mentally,” he added.
Well, the schedule will get heavier for Bucs who are back on the field in three days’ time on Tuesday when they travel to Cape Town for a league match against Stellenbosch FC.
Riveiro’s counterpart Gavin Hunt was suspended for the match and had to watch from the stands with his assistant Andre Arendse calling the shots on the touchline.
The only consolation for the fans were the four goals, which were conceded due to schoolboy errors. It was rather uncharacteristic of the two teams, who usually produce fireworks.
In the two matches they played this season, Pirates had the upper hand, hammering Matsatsantsa 3-1 in the MTN and 2-0 in the Betway Premiership in October. Last month, Hunt’s team enjoyed a good run in the league when they nailed 2-1 and buried Kaizer Chiefs under an avalanche of four goals.
Yesterday, Pirates were out of the blocks quicker than Akani Simbine as they almost caught the United defenders napping in the early stages. United did well to survive and regroup.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi opened the scoring for Bucs with a powerful shot before Terrence Dzukamanja levelled matters f with a tap-in after a howler from Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Evidence Makgopa made it 2-1 and Gape Moralo equalised after a solo run.
