×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

On-fire Pirates repel tornado

FULL FLIGHT: Pirates' Sifiso Myeni, right, and Denklan Ngwetjana of Tornado do battle during the Nedbank Cup first round match at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, last night. Pirates romped to an easy 4-0 win Photo: Lefty Shivambu/ Gallo Images
FULL FLIGHT: Pirates' Sifiso Myeni, right, and Denklan Ngwetjana of Tornado do battle during the Nedbank Cup first round match at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, last night. Pirates romped to an easy 4-0 win Photo: Lefty Shivambu/ Gallo Images

THERE was no fairytale for Tornado FC. A nightmare best describes their Nedbank Cup clash with Orlando Pirates here last night.

And for Bucs fans there was no need for blood pressure checks. No heartaches. No upset.

Pirates have endured the pain of getting knocked out by lower division clubs in the past, but it was smooth sailing for the defending champions, who wrapped this round of 32 games up by halftime against the ABC Motsepe League side coached by Bucs legend Jerry Sikhosana.

Pirates were in control from the first whistle and were a goal up as early as the sixth minute thanks to Lennox Bacela.

The striker was brought down in the box by Maphakane Mapogo and he got up to send Tornado goalkeeper Sizwe Majola the wrong way.

The hosts were hardly ever troubled and extended the lead in the 26th minute when Thandani Ntshumayelo riffled his shot into the roof of the net after Mpho Makola made a good run on the left and whipped in a good cross.

Tornado were rattled and their coach Sikhosana could do very little to help his inexperienced boys.

Any hope of a Tornado comeback was crushed when the club's defender Mapogo was sent off for a tackle from behind on Kermit Erasmus.

Pirates made the most of their one-man advantage, camping in the Tornado half looking to put the third tier side to the sword.

First Makola tried his luck midway through the second half from range, but his shot was brilliantly saved by keeper Majola as it came off the crossbar.

Majola was at fault for Pirates' third goal in the 72nd minute, scored by Ntshumayelo, whose shot found its way into the net.

Myeni had reason to celebrate four minutes from time when he netted the fourth goal.

l Also last night, Black Aces advanced to the last 16 after beating Maritzburg United 2-1 at Mbombela Stadium.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.