The Sea Robbers were crowned 2022/2023 season Nedbank cup champions Saturday late after defeating Sekhukhune United by 2 goals to 1. It was a very technical game that almost went to extra time before Orlando Pirates score the late winning goal. Sekhukhune United scored first in 12 minutes time of the game by Sibusiso Vilakazi. 45 minutes just before the halftime Orlando Pirates got a penalty, Thapelo Xoki converted. A pin point pass from Kabelo Dlamini straight to Monnapule Saleng to Terrence Dzvukamanja at the added time cemented the Sea Robbers dream to close the season with two cups.
Orlando Pirates Coach Jose Riveiro cried after game during postmatch interview. The Spanish man said he had no reason not to win a single trophy this season because of the depth of the squad he has, also commented on the penalty that caused a debate.
Jose Riveiro believes it was a deserved penalty for Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final after a deliberate hand by Victor Letsoalo.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I don’t know exactly what happened, why he ended up on the grass, whether it was a fall or not,” he said after the match.[/perfectpullquote]
“Then Lorch tried to overpass him and I’ve seen the picture, where the player is touching the ball deliberately with the hand.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United coach Brandon Truter did not have much to say after the match as he was so emotional but he congratulated the opponents for winning the title.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]” It was a very difficult game as we expected and my players played very well but I guess it was not our day to win this title, we go back we plan for the next season hoping to to win a silverware next time” said Truter[/perfectpullquote]
As it was the last game of the season Orlando Pirates finishes position 2 in the league and 2 cups, MTN8 and Nedbank cup.
