SuperSport United were crowned Nedbank Cup champions for the second consecutive season after they thumped Orlando Pirates 4-1 in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
The Buccaneers had previously won the competition eight times, with their last triumph coming during the 2013-14 season when they defeated Bidvest Wits 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
In comparison, Matsatsantsa lifted the trophy four times, with their latest victory coming against Pirates in last season’s final.
SuperSport got off to a bright start and thought they had taken the lead when they put the ball into the back of the net two minutes into the match, but Bradley Grobler’s effort was ruled offside.
Matsatantsa had another chance at goal when Morgan Gould latched on to a free-kick from Thabo Mnyamane, but his header flew wide of the target.
However, SuperSport did eventually take the lead in the 32nd minute when Grobler found the net after guiding home a cross from Grant Kekana to make it 1-0.
At the other end, Pirates’ first real chance at goal came seven minutes later as Dove Wome forced SuperSport United’s shot-stopper into making a great save from close range.
SuperSport had a golden opportunity to double their lead in the second half when they were awarded a penalty as Happy Jele brought down Thuso Phala in the area. Jeremy Brockie stepped up, and Siyabonga Mpontshane was on hand to deny the striker’s spot-kick.
Stuart Baxter’s side eventually doubled their lead when Brockie made up for his earlier miss, after the striker headed home a cross from Grobler to make it 2-0.
SuperSport then added a third goal in the 63rd minute as Phala beat his marker to unleash a strike at goal, but his effort deflected into the path of Grobler, who put the ball in from close range.
Substitute Kingston Nkhatha, who replaced Grobler in the 78th minute, landed a goal of his own when he found the back of the net from 12 yards out to extend his side’s lead even further.
However, Pirates were then awarded a penalty in injury time, with captain Oupa Manyisa making no mistake to blaze the ball into the back of the net for a consolation goal, as SuperSport United went on to win the match 4-1 and clinch their fifth Nedbank Cup title.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix