Kabelo Dlamini’s belated introduction into the Orlando Pirates starting XI has added impetus to their push to defend the Nedbank Cup and chase for a second-place finish in the DStv Premiership.
The midfielder delivered a man-of-the-match display when his first-half double helped the Sea Robbers sail to the final where they will meet the winners of today’s second semifinal between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Dlamini stole the show at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with a fine free-kick and easy tap in, both goals coming inside the first 41 minutes.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was pleased with the performance of Dlamini and that of his team, saying they showed character against a side that pushed them physically, especially in the second half. “I think KB [Dlamini] is an excellent football player,” he said.
“He understands football well and has the quality to execute it. Sometimes we don’t give him the flowers that he deserves and he’s sometimes in the shadow. But his contribution to this team in the last two seasons has been excellent and I don’t think he’s reached his best capacity. He’s still going to improve.”
Plagued by injuries and a lack of trust from Pirates’ technical team, Dlamini has featured in only 20 matches this season, with most of his 14 appearances in the DStv Premiership coming in the latter part of the season, coinciding with Bucs’ resurgent form.
“It has not been the best first round of the season for me with a lot of injuries. I’m happy [that] I’m back and helping the team. The coach gives us a lot of confidence. This final is important, we needed it,” said Dlamini to the TV cameras after the getting his man-of-the-match award.
His brace added to another cup goal he scored when Pirates beat AmaZulu FC 4-2 to reach the semifinals.
Dlamini benefitted from the fact that Pirates were always in control, especially in the first half. Pirates came close to opening the score inside the first minute with Tshegofatso Mabaso unlucky to see his shot blocked by Chippa’s Nigerian No 1 keeper Stanley Nwabali.
Three minutes later Nwabali had no chance to stop Dlamini’s exquisite free-kick just outside the area.
But before Dlamini doubled his tally in the 41st minute, Chippa showed glimpses of wanting to catch up with Pirates, with Eva Nga, Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Craig Martin spearheading the home side’s attack.
Dlamini’s second goal came as a sucker punch for Chippa but the goal was down to a mistake by Chippa skipper and former Pirates defender Justice Chabalala, who stopped chasing Patrick Maswanganyi thinking the referee had blown for offside.
Maswanganyi accepted the gift and fed the ball to Dlamini who had an easy tap in to beat Nwabali from inside the area.
Pirates are finishing the 2023-2024 campaign as strong as they did last season, where Riveiro propelled the Soweto giants to winning the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, on top of finishing second in the log.
The same script is still on offer for the Buccaneers as they already defended the MTN8 and are fighting Stellenbosch FC for second position in the Premiership — a spot that will earn whoever wins it a place in next season’s Caf Champions League.
Chippa will again face Pirates in the league in Orlando on Wednesday and play that match without their chief striker Nga, who received marching orders from referee Abongile Tom a few minutes before the final whistle.
Scorers:
Chippa – Elmo Kambindu (63m)
Pirates – Kabelo Dlamini (5m, 41m), Tapelo Xoki (81m)
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