ORLANDO PIRATES (0)(4)
Andrianavalona (OG) 8’, Mofokeng 20’, Maswanganyi 29’, Kimvuidi 90+2’
DISCIPLES (0)(0)
Pirates won 4-0 on aggregate
SOWETO (Orlando Stadium) - This could have easily been a biblical contest – Orlando Pirates proving that not every ‘Disciple’ will see the gates of heaven, instead some will go to hell just like tonight.
The Sea Robbers put Disciples to their swords at their slaughterhouse, winning 4-0, in the second leg of the Caf Champions League’s preliminary round to cruise to the second round.
Pirates had to put up a class act tonight after returning from the first leg at a neutral Mauritius with their tails between their legs after a 0-0 draw.
And by sending the Madagasy side packing from the tournament, the Bucs also sent a strong message to their next opponents – either Jwaneng Galaxy or African Stars.
Pirates will be baying for the blood of Jwaneng in the second round, having the Botswanan based side beat them in the same round last season.
Sure, the second round now stands between Pirates and the group stage, but the Sea Robbers can’t be overconfident, thinking that they’ve arrived in Africa.
They need to take lessons from tonight’s result and learn from their mistakes. That they didn’t score away was unacceptable and they must change that going forward.
After all, if they are going to emulate the class of 1995, who won the club’s first and only crown, they’ll know that there’s no room for error.
The hell that is Orlando Stadium lived up to its billing this evening, though, ‘the Ghost’ on the stands and Pirates on the field working together to massacre Disciples.
‘The Ghost’ set the tone for the onslaught, stoking a black flare that seemed to all but challenge the prayer Disciples did before their warm-up.
And boy, when referee Ring Malong finally blew for kick-off, the dark side of Pirates rendered this clash as a non-contest as early as the first half, thanks to a 3-0 lead.
The Sea Robbers ‘captain’ Jose Riveiro came into the battle with his tried and tested brigade, and the usual performers used their swords brutally.
Patrick Maswanganyi, Monnapule Saleng and Relebohile Mofokeng got the loudest cheers from ‘the Ghost’ when their names were read on screen pre-match.
And they didn’t disappoint as they dragged Disciples to the depths of hell, with either an assist or goal each in the first half – to the delight of the Ghost who lit red flares, insinuating blood.
Saleng started the onslaught, leaving his markers for dead with skill and trickery before impressively chipping the ball behind the defence of Disciples who were mesmerised.
With Tshegofatso Mabasa having between the offside trap before attempting an overhead kick, Andoniaina Andrianavalona clumsily poked the ball into his own net.
And having the Disciples captain drew first blood in his own camp, Pirates grew in confidence, with their ship making all sorts of inroads into the opposite end.
Their bid paid dividends, as result, with Maswanganyi nicely linking up with Mofokeng who controlled well before piercing his shot into the bottom corner.
Maswanganyi saved the best for last – the trickster and fan-favourite proving why he deserved the No 10 jersey in the competition, given that it’s retired in domestic football.
Maswanganyi waved his magic wand closer to the box before curling a thunderbolt into the top corner, to the rapturous response of ‘the Ghost’ who chanted ‘Tito, Tito, Tito, Tito’.
And with the job all but done heading to the second half, Riveiro sacrificed his magician for kingpin Makhehleni Makhaula who had to cushion the lead.
Makhaula aced his duties to the tee. He allowed Mofokeng and Co to terrorise with great interchange, while ensuring the defensive contingent was still protected.
Karim Kimvuidi came off the bench to complete the onslaught and take Disciples off their misery, scoring the fourth to send a strong message to either Jwaneng or Stars in the second round.