Maluti Fet College VS Orlando Pirates

Maluti Fet College VS Orlando Pirates,Maluti FET College

4 – 1
Charles Mopeli
23/02/2013 15:00

(59) Andile Jali

Match report: Orlando Pirates thumped by Maluti FET College in the Nedbank Cup

Posted: 23 February 2013 Time: 17:15

In one of the biggest shocks in local cup football ever, Orlando Pirates were booted out of the Nedbank Cup after a 4-1 drubbing by Vodacom League side Maluti FET College.

It was Pirates’ heaviest defeat in two seasons, and Maluti fully deserved their victory as they outplayed the ‘treble champs’.

The only other third-tier side to beat top-flight opposition in South African history is Baroka FC, who beat Moroka Swallows and then Kaizer Chiefs on their way to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals in 2011.

The biggest defeat for a top-flight side against lower league opposition was in 1971, when Pimville Champions beat Golden Arrows 6-2 in their Life Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Maluti skipper Lucky Mokoena scored a brace and Mashale Rantabane netted two as well. Oupa Manyisa scored for Pirates.

Maluti took the lead after just 45 seconds, when Lucky Mokoena caught up with a defence-splitting pass and slotted the ball past the onrushing Senzo Meyiwa. His shot trickled over the line, with a chasing Bheki Nzunga perhaps helping it over, although the goal was credited to Mokoena.

Goalkeeper Mohlolo Khuse put in a brave performance for the Vodacom League side. First, he denied Rudolf Bester a scoring opportunity with some imposing play, and then four minutes later he came out bravely again to punch away a dangerous cross.

Maluti went 2-0 ahead in the 25th minute when Rantabane got away from his marker and headed a curling free-kick into the far corner.

Pirates had a few half chances in the final 10 minutes of the game, with Collins Mbesuma’s powerful free-kick getting stuck in the wall, and an attempt from Manyisa flying over the crossbar.

Roger de Sa made two changes at half-time, with Takesure Chinyama and Ndumiso Mabena coming on for Mbesuma and Lehlogonolo Masalesa.

But Maluti scored again in the 54th minute when Mokoena got onto the end of a curling ball in the box and scored with a powerful looping header over Meyiwa.

A minute later there was drama when Maluti were given a penalty, but Lucky Mokoena got no power behind it and Meyiwa made an easy save.

Bucs hit back right away though when Happy Jele squared the ball to Manyisa inside the danger area. He did well to turn and evade the defenders before burying a shot with his left foot.

Pirates came back into the game but Maluti held firm and continued to attack at will. Then, with just nine minutes to go, Rantabane got his second and his team’s fourth goal.

A deep corner was headed back across goal from the far post to Rantabane who got in front of his marker and headed in from close range.

It was a famous victory for Maluti who held on well and were deserved winners of this cup tie.

Maluti: Khuse, Penze, Rantabane, Rantho, Ngogela, Maduna, Moholo (Mosikidi 53), Ml Mokoena (Mr Mokoena 67), Mokwa (Mabeleng 51), L Mokoena, Rankati

Pirates: Meyiwa, Nzunga, Matlaba, Jele, Gcaba, Masalesa (Mabena 46), Okonkwo, Manyisa, Myeni, Bester (Mayambela 56), Mbesuma (Chinyama 46)