Patrick Maswangayi’s brace was enough to hand Orlando Pirates a winning start to their defence of the Nedbank Cup following a 3-1 victory against Richards Bay on Sunday.
At a sold-out King Zwelithini Stadium, Pirates were out of sight inside 25 minutes thanks to Maswanganyi’s two goals.
Youngster Mohau Nkota was at the centre of both goals for the Buccaneers, the first one coming after some good work from him on the right wing.
Tito, Rele & Nkota combine for Pirates
Maswanganyi started the move for the opening goal when his long ball found Nkota, the youngster passing to Relebohile Mofokeng on the edge of the box, and the 20-year-old turned and laid it for “Tito” who had a arrived, the midfielder firing an unstoppable shot past Richards Bay’s Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno in the 21st minute.
Four minutes later, the same combination yielded the second goal, Nkota, squaring the ball to Mofokeng who quickly passed to Maswanganyi and Tito slotted home after getting into the box.
However, the Natal Rich Boyz ensured the first half would not end with Pirates cruising as Yanela Mbuthuma reduced the arrears three minutes before the break.
How did Bucs complete the win?
Thulani Gumede got the better of Deon Hotto and won an aerial ball then fired directly at Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi and the second-choice custodian failed to handle it well.
Buthelezi spilled the ball in the path of Mbuthuma and the striker slotted home to make it 2-1 before the break.
Chances were few and far between in the second half as Pirates sought to extend their lead but Richards Bay held firm until the last minute when Tshegofatso Mabasa scored the third for Jose Riveiro’s team in time added on.
Maswangayi turned provider this time, squaring a defence-splitting pass to Mabasa who was positioned in the box, and the striker fired home on his left foot from close range to complete the victory.
