Defending champions Orlando Pirates secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over National First Division side Baroka F.C.

Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick to ensure the Pirates’ progression into the last eight of the competition.

In another match earlier in the day, Marumo Gallants defeated Amazulu FC 1-0 at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein. 

Despite facing a lower-division opponent, Orlando Pirates stuck largely with their usual starting eleven. Captain Thapelo Xoki returned to the lineup, replacing the injured Thabiso Sesane, while forward Tshegofatso Mabasa was also reinstated in place of Evidence Makgopa.

Pirates had previously registered a solid 3-1 win over Richards Bay in their first-round encounter last month, while Baroka F.C. reached the last 16 after defeating amateur side Umvoti FC. 

Pirates took 20 minutes to create their first real scoring chance, but forward Relebohile Mofokeng was denied by Baroka’s keeper, Malcon Jacobs. Baroka, undeterred by the quality of their opponents, matched Pirates’ intensity.

However, the Pirates’ experience shone through as Mabasa broke the deadlock in the 30th minute.

As the match progressed, Pirates began to dominate, with Mabasa adding his second goal just before half-time, assisted by Patrick Maswanganyi. Jacobs made a brilliant save early in the second half, denying substitute Phillip Ndlondlo, who struck the crossbar with his shot. 

Mabasa completed his hat-trick in the 63rd minute, once again combining with Maswanganyi.

Baroka pulled one back in the 75th minute through substitute Sydney Malivha, but despite late pressure, they were unable to find an equalizer. 

With this win, Orlando Pirates join SuperSport United, Stellenbosch FC, Marumo Gallants, and Durban City in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals. 

⭐️ 𝕄𝔸ℕ 𝕆𝔽 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕄𝔸𝕋ℂℍ ⭐️

The Buccaneers forward Tshegofatso Mabasa!

𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 3⃣➖1⃣ 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐚 𝐅𝐂

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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 15, 2025

☠️ 🤴🏾 Man of the Match | @TshegoMabasa_19 @orlandopirates 3 – 1 @Baroka_FC

🥅 Mabasa 29′, 45′, 63′

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#NedbankCup#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/oiJDIyJ6ml

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) February 15, 2025