Nedbank Cup: Mabasa hat-trick powers Orlando Pirates to the quarterfinals
- Andrew Olsson
- Feb 15
- 1 min read
Orlando Pirates had no issues on Saturday in the Nedbank Cup, showing their class in a 3-1 victory over second tier side Baroka FC to qualify for the quarterfinals. Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a hat-trick in a strong team performance that left little to no doubt about the result.
After a tentative start, the Bucs began to impose themselves after the opening twenty minutes and found an opening goal before the half hour mark. Namibian winger Deon Hotto undressed the Baroka defense with a slick turn to receive a pass on the right wing and his cross found Mabasa for a routine poacher's finish.
The hosts did not allow Baroka to escape with a one-goal deficit by halftime. Brilliant one touch football in first half stoppage time led to Patrick Maswanganyi starting a movement that led to another easy finish for Mabasa. In the 63rd minute it was Maswanganyi who assisted a powerful left foot finish after cleverly flicking a lofted pass from Relebohile Mofokeng into the striker's path.
An all-Betway Premiership clash between Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu ended 1-0 in favor of Gallants on Saturday. Pirates and Gallants join fellow top flight sides Stellenbosch, SuperSport United and second tier side Durban City in the final eight. Later today, Kaizer Chiefs host Chippa United before Mamelodi Sundowns host third tier club Mpheni Home Defenders on Sunday.
