PIC: Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates are currently on a 14-game unbeaten streak in the Nedbank Cup, one of the longest stretches without outright defeat in the competition’s history. 
They are closing in on the all-time record of 16 games set by Mamelodi Sundowns before the latter lost 2-1 to Stellenbosch FC in the quarterfinals in 2023.

Here is a reminder of Pirates’ remarkable run so far, which they could stretch to 15 matches if they at least draw with SuperSport United in this year’s quarterfinals.

ORLANDO PIRATES 1 AMAZULU 0
February 6, 2022 – Last 32
Deon Hotto scored the only goal as Pirates advanced in this last 32 clash, though they were given a scare when future player Tapelo Xoki missed an 88^th minute penalty for Usuthu. That proved heartbreak for the visitors and Pirates were able to hold on for the win.

MARUMO GALLANTS 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 1
March 9, 2022 – Last 16

After extra-time; Gallants won 5-4 on penalties
Pirates could only manage a draw and went out on penalties, but this result is listed as a stalemate in the record books as per FIFA regulations. Future Pirates player Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo put Gallants ahead from the penalty spot, though that joy was short-lived as Bandile Shandu equalised for The Buccaneers. The game went to spot-kicks and after scoring their first four, Pirates missed their next three to bow out.     

ALL STARS 0 ORLANDO PIRATES 2 
February 11, 2023 – Last 32
It took an hour for Pirates to make the breakthrough against second-tier All Stars as Monnapule Saleng and Thembinkosi Lorch eased the nerves of the side in the second period. It was a hard-fought clash that Pirates certainly did not have their own way.

ORLANDO PIRATES 2 VENDA FC 1
March 11, 2023 – Last 16

After extra-time
Another hard-fought clash against a second-tier side, Pirates led midway through the first period through Kermit Erasmus, but former Kaizer Chiefs forward Edmore Chirambadare equalised for Venda early in the second period. That sent the game to extra-time and Lorch came up with the winning moment in the 113^th minute.   

DONDOL STARS 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 1 

April 15, 2023 – Quarterfinals

After extra-time; Pirates won 5-4 on penalties

Dondol Stars had already seen off SuperSport United and AmaZulu in the earlier rounds, but this was expected to be a comfortable cruise for Pirates. It proved anything but though as Lorch game them a second-half lead, only for Stars to hit back two minutes later through Tebogo Makungo. The game went to extra-time and penalties, with Pirates eventually triumphing 5-4 on spot-kicks.  

KAIZER CHIEFS 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 2
May 6, 2023 – Semifinals

After extra-time

A Soweto Derby to add extra-spice to this semifinal and for the third game running Pirates were taken to extra-time. They led early on through Erasmus, but when Yusuf Maart equalised for Chiefs, the tie was thrown in the balance again. The winner came from an unlikely source as Sandile Mthethwa netted.   

ORLANDO PIRATES 2 SEKHUKHUNE UNITED 1

May 27, 2023 – Final
Pirates had to come from behind to claim the title as Sibusiso Vilakazi put Sekhukhune into an early lead. Xoki equalised from the penalty-spot just before halftime, before Terrence Dzvukamanja prevented the game from going to extra-time with a 95^th minute winner as The Buccaneers claimed the trophy.   

CRYSTAL LAKE 0 ORLANDO PIRATES 6

February 24, 2024 – Last 32

Pirates came up against Mpumalanga fourth-tier side Crystal Lake and secured a handsome win. After an early own goal from the home side’s Adam Khumalo, Xoki scored twice (one penalty) to go with goals for Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa. It is their biggest win in the Nedbank Cup since 2008.     

ORLANDO PIRATES 4 HUNGRY LIONS 0

March 16, 2024 – Last 16

Pirates eased past second-tier Hungry Lions with another big win this season, though the tie was perhaps closer than the scoreline suggests. A Morena Monaheng own goal had Pirates in front at the break, but it wasn’t until Mabasa scored on 66 minutes that they doubled their advantage. Saleng and Mabasa added further goals to give the score a more emphatic look.

AMAZULU 2 ORLANDO PIRATES 4
April 13, 2024 – Quarterfinals

AmaZulu took the lead through former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Pule Ekstein, but the defending champions turned the tables by scoring the next two goals. Patrick Maswanganyi and Kabelo Dlamini were on target to put them 2-1 up just before the hour-mark. But Usuthu were not done and when Taariq Fielies equalised six minutes later, the tie was on a knife-edge at 2-2. But Pirates are seasoned cup campaigners and their experience shone through in the tie as they took control in the final 10 minutes.
When Makhehlene Makhaula scored they took a 3-2 lead, and Maswanganyi then added his second to make sure of the victory.

CHIPPA UNITED 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 3

May 4, 2024 – Semifinals
Pirates took control of this tie in the first half as Kabelo Dlamini scored a brace to give them a 2-0 lead. There will have been some nerves when Elmo Kambindu pulled a goal back for hosts Chippa, but Pirates made sure of the win thanks to a third goal from Thapelo Xoki. The win booked them a second successive Nedbank Cup final.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 2

June 1, 2024 – Final
A showpiece final at a sold out Mbombela Stadium, Pirates won the day as they scored the winner deep into injury-time at the end of the game for the second year running. Lucas Ribeiro missed an early penalty for Sundowns, but the Tshwane side took the lead 10 minutes into the second half through Temba Zwane. Pirates got a penalty of their own that was converted by Maswanganyi, before 19-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng became the youngest ever Nedbank Cup final scorer with a super late winner.

RICHARDS BAY 1 ORLANDO PIRATES 3

January 26, 2025 – Last 32
This looked a tricky away day as Richards Bay have had some success over Pirates in the recent past, but The Buccaneers came out on top. Maswanganyi scored a quickfire brace midway through the first half, but Yanela Mbuthuma pulled a goal back for the host early in the second period. The game was not made safe until Mabasa scored a third in injury-time at the end of the match. 
   

ORLANDO PIRATES 3 BAROKA FC 1
February 15, 2025 – Last 16

Pirates’ most recent success came against second-tier Baroka FC and was earned thanks to a hat-trick from Mabasa. He showed a clinical touch in front of goal to finish off some superb moves from The Bucaneers, with the excellent Maswanganyi pulling the strings. In doing so, Mabasa became Pirates’ highest ever scorer in the Nedbank Cup with eight goals. Baroka pulled a goal back through Sydney Malivha, but it was too little, too late.