ORLANDO Pirates coach Julio Leal has defended his charges' performance in the 1-0 win over lower division side Ethekwini Coastal on Saturday night.
Bucs squeaked through to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup thanks to a goal from defender Siyabonga Sangweni at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. The Bafana Bafana defender headed home on 85 minutes, with many spectators already bracing themselves for extra-time.
It was a match where Pirates had struggled to turn their dominance into goals until that point.
The home team nearly grabbed the opener on eight minutes when Sihle Nduli played a long ball that fell kindly for Gabriel Hlongwa, who beat goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, only for Sangweni to clear the ball off the line.
"I was nervous," admitted Leal. "We knew that they would come up with a plan and they did. This created a lot of problems for us as they wanted to catch us on the counter, but I am happy that my players kept their calm, shooting from range. I am happy we are through to the last 16 and hopefully, we will go all the way to the last eight and to the final," he said.
A hat-trick from David Radebe helped United FC sink hosts Vardos 3-1 in their enterprising Nedbank Cup last 32 tie at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Saturday.
This despite some pre-match friction when a Vardos sangoma supposedly attempted to enter the United dressing room minutes before the match started.
United put on a brave display keeping to midweek promises of a clinical display from coach Richard Makhoba. This in contrast to a young Vardos outfit, who were brilliant in patches and had an impressive first 45 minutes.
Goals from Boitumelo Sekgobela, Edward Manqele (brace) and Soriola Gege ensured Free State Stars progressed to the last 16 stage of the tournament, beating Sivutsa Stars 4-1 at the Charles Mopeli Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The emphatic win will serve as a confidence booster for Ea Lla Koto going to the next round.
For Sivutsa, it's back to the drawing board as they look to fight their way out of the relegation zone in the National First Division.
A goal in each half helped Black Leopards book a place in the next round, beating Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Giyani Stadium on Saturday night, buoyed by a capacity crowd.
Busy striker Rodney Ramagalela gave the confident Limpopo outfit the lead in the 39th minute, while youngster Liyolo Mapodisa netted the home side's second in the 70th minute.
Leal breathes sigh of relief
ORLANDO Pirates coach Julio Leal has defended his charges' performance in the 1-0 win over lower division side Ethekwini Coastal on Saturday night.
Bucs squeaked through to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup thanks to a goal from defender Siyabonga Sangweni at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. The Bafana Bafana defender headed home on 85 minutes, with many spectators already bracing themselves for extra-time.
It was a match where Pirates had struggled to turn their dominance into goals until that point.
The home team nearly grabbed the opener on eight minutes when Sihle Nduli played a long ball that fell kindly for Gabriel Hlongwa, who beat goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, only for Sangweni to clear the ball off the line.
"I was nervous," admitted Leal. "We knew that they would come up with a plan and they did. This created a lot of problems for us as they wanted to catch us on the counter, but I am happy that my players kept their calm, shooting from range. I am happy we are through to the last 16 and hopefully, we will go all the way to the last eight and to the final," he said.
A hat-trick from David Radebe helped United FC sink hosts Vardos 3-1 in their enterprising Nedbank Cup last 32 tie at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Saturday.
This despite some pre-match friction when a Vardos sangoma supposedly attempted to enter the United dressing room minutes before the match started.
United put on a brave display keeping to midweek promises of a clinical display from coach Richard Makhoba. This in contrast to a young Vardos outfit, who were brilliant in patches and had an impressive first 45 minutes.
Goals from Boitumelo Sekgobela, Edward Manqele (brace) and Soriola Gege ensured Free State Stars progressed to the last 16 stage of the tournament, beating Sivutsa Stars 4-1 at the Charles Mopeli Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The emphatic win will serve as a confidence booster for Ea Lla Koto going to the next round.
For Sivutsa, it's back to the drawing board as they look to fight their way out of the relegation zone in the National First Division.
A goal in each half helped Black Leopards book a place in the next round, beating Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Giyani Stadium on Saturday night, buoyed by a capacity crowd.
Busy striker Rodney Ramagalela gave the confident Limpopo outfit the lead in the 39th minute, while youngster Liyolo Mapodisa netted the home side's second in the 70th minute.
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