Article by Adelani Ogunrinade
As Orlando Pirates revel in the joy of defending their Nedbank Cup title, Rhulani Mokwena continues his journey as a young coach still acclimatizing to the pressures of managing an historic club with high expectations.
A Moment of Magic & Mayhem in Mbombela
Before the highly anticipated game, Orlando Pirates had only won just one of their last eight matches against Mamelodi Sundowns in all competitions since the start of last season. This final showdown was an opportunity for the Buccaneers to improve on this appalling head to head record & continue building their impeccable reputation of being the new cup kings of South-African football.
On Saturday, June 1, the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa was packed to the brim. The electric atmosphere of cheering Masandawana fans & singing Sea Robbers beautifully advertised the rich heritage of African football.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro dropped jaws when he opted to start Evidence Makgopa and leave reigning DStv Premiership Golden Boot winner, Tshegofatso Mabasa, on the bench. The decision appeared to have backfired when Themba Zwane opened the scoring for the Brazilians. Pirates 71st minute equalizer came courtesy of Parick Maswanganyi who scored his fourth goal in the competition from a controversial penalty decision.
With the match deadlocked at 1-1, the possibility of 30 minutes of extra time and a penalty shootout heightened the tension in the air. No football analyst could have predicted the late dramatic scenes and the impact 19-year-old superstar, Relebohile Mofokeng would make when he came off the substitutes bench. The talented teenager sparked wild celebrations & mayhem in Mbombela when he dribbled past Bongani Zungu and smashed the ball past Ronwen Williams in the dying minutes.
Fireworks exploded into the night sky as Pirates players kissed the shiny trophy. A rowdy party began as fans failed to contain their joy; getting lost in the euphoria of the moment. This is why we love the beautiful game!