The new-look Orlando Pirates marched into the semifinals of the MTN8 following a 1-0 win over Cape Town City on Saturday evening.
The Buccaneers underwent a major make-over during the transfer window with a host of new players signed. German coach Josef Zinnbauer has constructed the team according to his vision.
The team has little resemblance to the outfit that played under Milutin Sredojevic and Rhulani Mokwena.
Bucs’ biggest raid was on Bidvest Wits, with four top players arriving from the now defunct university club.
Three of those players – Thulani Hlatshwayo, Deon Hotto, Terrence Dzvukamanja – were in the starting line-up. Thabang Monare did not feature in the match-day squad after signing in midweek.
Read: How Bucs captain Happy Jele rates new defensive acquisition Hlatshwayo
Zimbabwean Dzvukamanja’s header in the 22nd minute secured the win. Hlatshwayo captained the team on his debut with regular skipper Happy Jele starting on the bench.
The Citizens were weakened during the transfer window with their top scorer Kermit Erasmus joining Mamelodi Sundowns. Fagrie Lakay led City’s attack but his poor performance was capped by a red card for a horrendous tackle on Wayde Jooste.
Pirates joined SuperSport United in the semifinals, who earlier edged out newcomers Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 3-2. Sundowns will take on Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs face Maritzburg United on Sunday.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
