It was a challenging match for the Soweto giants, who have now defeated Sekhukhune on four occasions this season across various competitions—finding the net seven times without conceding.

The Pirates entered the match in excellent form, having previously swept Sekhukhune 4-0 on aggregate in the MTN8 semi-finals and secured a 2-0 league win in Soweto. While they managed a 1-0 win in Soweto last season, Sekhukhune has struggled to find the back of the net against the Buccaneers in their last four matchups.

The home side nearly took an early lead when Deon Hotto sent a dangerous cross to the back post intended for Ghampani Lungu. Unfortunately, the opportunity was wasted when Lungu chose the wrong angle at the near post instead of directing it across the goal.

Sekhukhune’s Chibuike Ohizu almost made Pirates pay when he breakaway on goal, but he overhit his shot, allowing Sipho Chaine to gather the ball comfortably. Ohizu fell in the penalty area claiming a push from behind by Sbangani Zulu, but referee Eugene Mdluli decided that the forward simply lost control of the ball.

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou chose to give young Mpho Padime his first start of the season after several substitute appearances, and the promising player quickly justified his manager’s trust. In the 31st minute, Tshepang Moremi delivered a pinpoint ball into the box from the right, and after Sekhukhune’s inability to clear, it fell kindly for Padime to slot it home from close range.

Earlier, Padime had drawn his coach’s frustration after losing possession trying a fancy trick, leaving Ouaddou visibly upset on the sidelines.

The standout Simphiwe Masilela nearly doubled the Pirates’ lead right before half-time with a powerful long-distance shot, but Sekhukhune’s goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga made a brilliant save to deflect the effort away.

Sekhukhune’s coach Papi Zothwane—who took over from Cedric Kaze after the club’s MTN8 second-leg defeat to Pirates—seemed to be at a loss as his side struggled to create any real threat against the reigning champions. Zothwane holds an impressive track record in this competition, having won it as an assistant coach to Clinton Larsen at Magesi against Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2024/25 season. However, replicating that success against the current champions proved to be too difficult.

Ouaddou substituted goalscorer Padime shortly after the hour mark, bringing on Oswin Appollis. Appollis, who had limited starts this season, quickly made his mark in the attack, forcing a fantastic diving save from Sapunga with a well-placed left-footed effort.

Moremi, who has been in excellent scoring form lately, wasted two clear chances to extend the lead, sending one effort flying over the bar. His second miss left Ouaddou in disbelief, collapsing to the ground on the sidelines.

Pirates nearly paid for these missed opportunities late in the match when Thabo Nkwana maneuvered into the penalty area. Thankfully, Sipho Chaine stood firm to maintain the clean sheet, overcoming his previous costly mistake in last weekend’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

With this win, Pirates advance alongside Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals. The remaining two quarter-final matchups are set for Sunday, with Stellenbosch facing AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs taking on Siwelele, followed shortly by the official semi-final draw.