Orlando Pirates defeated AmaZulu 4-2 in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup quarterfinal. According to Usuthu’s coach, Martin, the result was not earned on the field.
NEDBANK CUP: AMAZULU 2-2 ORLANDO PIRATES
Patrick Maswanganyi’s brace, as well as Kabelo Dlamini’s and Makhehlene Makhaula’s goals, sealed a place in the final four. Speaking to the media after the game, AmaZulu coach Martin said the officials beat his team rather than Orlando Pirates.
“It’s such a pity that this kind of game, which was amazing from both teams, must be decided the way it was,” said Franco Martin via FARPost. “I think that it’s a pity that we can not just talk about football but the events that happened.
“Do I think it was too much? [It was] a scandal. It is not the first, second, third, fourth or fifth one during the season. I think we are not respected at all. It is a huge scandal.
“I think no one is doing anything regarding what is happening in this league or this kind of games, which are decided because people who are not part of the 22-man are making decisions,” Martin concluded on the loss to Orlando Pirates.
ZAKHELE LEPASA TO DEPART?
Orlando Pirates management and certain high-profile players have some big contract decisions to make. Zakhele Lepasa is on the list. This might surprise a few supporters. The Soweto-born striker could leave the Sea Robbers when his contract expires in June 2024.
Five years ago, Lepasa rejoined Orlando Pirates after impressing on loan at TS Galaxy. The 27-year-old from Soweto had emerged from the club’s youth before loan spells at Stellenbosch FC and the Rockets. Since playing for the Bucs’ first team, Lepasa has delivered 15 goals and two assists in 64 matches—not forgetting the two goals he scored on loan at SuperSport United.
According to available records, Orlando Pirates came close to offering Lepasa a deal last year when he was flying high, but the form did not last long enough. With the attacker’s deal ending in June, the club could allow Lepasa to leave as a free agent.
Staying with the Buccaneers, Relebohile Mofokeng recently described how he lives outside the game.
Mofokeng might only have three goals and four assists in 28 appearances, but the 19-year-old’s ability to beat defenders is a joy to witness. He is so exciting even Kaizer Chiefs fans admit his quality. Speaking to iDiskiTimes’ leading reporter Velile Mnyandu last week, Mofokeng was asked about how he manages to avoid social pressure.
The Orlando Pirates star from Sharpville, Gauteng said he is simply a homeboy who fears the streets. “I grew up in the streets where people used to kill each other,” Mofokeng said, “which made me afraid to play in the streets. And now that I’m a bit famous I think I’m scared of people,” the attacker known as “Rele” concluded.
Meanwhile, Mofokeng and his teammates will have a day off before preparing for the weekend’s DStv Premiership action. Orlando Pirates will face another battle with AmaZulu, this time in the league. The game is set for Saturday, 20 April, at 17:30 from the Orlando Stadium.
