Sipho Mbule returns with a goal as Orlando Pirates dismantle TTM in Nedbank Cup

Orlando Pirates launched their Nedbank Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, cruising into the Round of 16 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Goals from Andre De Jong, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi and a late strike from Sipho Mbule ensured there would be no upset against the ABC Motsepe League side, as the Buccaneers once again underlined their pedigree in knockout football.

As expected, Pirates asserted themselves early under hot and humid Durban conditions, monopolising possession and forcing TTM onto the back foot from the outset. 

Their dominance was rewarded inside the opening ten minutes when Oswin Appollis was brought down in the penalty area after a sharp run down the left flank.

De Jong, making his first start since joining the club from Stellenbosch in January, stepped up confidently and converted from the spot to hand Pirates the ideal start and open his goal-scoring account in black and white.

The Soweto giants doubled their advantage in the 17th minute as TTM struggled to cope with Pirates’ tempo. 

Given time and space outside the box, Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha unleashed a fierce long-range effort that took a slight deflection before finding the back of the net.

With a two-goal cushion, Pirates looked firmly in control and on course for a comfortable afternoon. 

However, Tshakuma worked their way back into the contest late in the first half and pulled one back in the 38th minute. 

Sithembiso Ngobe, who had conceded the earlier penalty, made amends by curling a well-taken free-kick into the bottom corner to beat Melusi Buthelezi and halve the deficit.

That moment briefly unsettled Pirates, prompting head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to act at the break. Patrick Maswanganyi and Daniel Msendami were introduced as the Buccaneers looked to reassert their authority.

The response was immediate. Just six minutes into the second half, Maswanganyi announced his arrival, combining neatly with Yanela Mbuthuma before calmly slotting home to restore Pirates’ two-goal advantage and effectively end the contest as a spectacle.

From there, Pirates controlled proceedings with maturity, circulating the ball patiently and limiting TTM to sporadic counter-attacks. 

The final flourish arrived in stoppage time when Sipho Mbule marked his first appearance of 2026 in style.

Introduced late on, Mbule completed the scoring in the 90th minute, firing home to cap a dominant display and add another positive note to Pirates’ growing momentum.

The comprehensive victory keeps Pirates firmly on track in their pursuit of a third Nedbank Cup title in four years, while Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila exit the competition having gained valuable experience against one of the country’s elite sides.