Unexpected Orlando Pirates midfielder shares Nedbank Cup semi final scoring lead

Durban City will welcome Casric Stars on Saturday while Milford FC travels to face TS Galaxy the next day.

Orlando Pirates departed the tournament prematurely which prevents one of their midfielders from achieving three goals in the semi finals. Kabelo Dlamini managed strikes in both 2024 fixtures against Chippa United and once more in 2025 versus Marumo Gallants.

These efforts position him as an unforeseen co leader in Nedbank Cup semi final goals recorded since 2008 equalling the tally of his previous teammate Kermit Erasmus who found the net for SuperSport United and Pirates during this phase.

Erasmus remained with Casric Stars until the previous campaign concluded so he could have appeared once more if his contract had been renewed there.

The ex Bafana Bafana player Erasmus notched his initial Nedbank Cup semi final goal representing SuperSport United versus AmaZulu in 2012 followed by another the subsequent year for Matsatsantsa in their 3 2 triumph over Platinum Stars.

It took him a further decade to claim a third such goal netting against Kaizer Chiefs in 2023 although much of that interval involved playing abroad.

Dlamini and Erasmus surpass others yet ten individuals have registered two Nedbank Cup semi final goals including Erasmus old Pirates colleague Sandile Mthethwa who also scored versus Chiefs in 2023.

Mthethwas effort sealed victory as it arrived during extra time devastating AmaKhosi supporters.

Earlier Mthethwa had scored for Chippa United in their 1 0 semi final success against Pretoria Callies in 2021 prior to transferring to Pirates.

Ex Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa holds two Nedbank Cup semi final goals both achieved while loaned to TS Galaxy where they overcame Lamontville Golden Arrows 3 1 en route to the 2019 final and the second division outfit shocked Chiefs in the conclusion.

Luvuyo Memela secured two semi final goals for Pirates bagging a brace in the Buccaneers 4 2 semi final defeat of Free State Stars in 2016 despite Pirates subsequent final loss to SuperSport United.

Victor Letsoalo claimed two goals in Bloemfontein Celtics 3 0 win over his prior club Baroka FC propelling them to their debut Nedbank Cup final in 2020 whereas Mark Haskins delivered a semi final double for BidVest Wits versus Free State Stars en route to claiming the title in 2010.

Terrence Dzvukamanja of BidVest Wits Harris Tchilimbou of Free State Stars Thobani Mncwango of Baroka FC plus Thuso Phala and Sibusiso Zuma both from SuperSport United represent additional players with two semi final goals.

Overall 93 goals have been tallied in Nedbank Cup semi finals since 2008 courtesy of 79 unique scorers encompassing two regrettable own goals from Mario Booysen of Maritzburg United and Lucky Mohomi of Free State Stars.

Sundowns lead with 14 semi final goals then Pirates with 12 and Chiefs with 11. Notably every one of Sundowns 14 goals came from distinct players.

Nearly 40 percent of Nedbank Cup semi final goals since 2008 stem from the Big 3 comprising Pirates Sundowns and Chiefs.

Players achieving multiple goals in Nedbank Cup semi finals since 2008

3 goals – Kabelo Dlamini (Orlando Pirates), Kermit Erasmus (SuperSport United/Orlando Pirates)

2 – Terrence Dzvukamanja (BidVest Wits), Mark Haskins (BidVest Wits), Luvuyo Memela (Orlando Pirates), Zakhele Lepasa (TS Galaxy), Victor Letsoalo (Bloemfontein Celtic), Thobani Mncwango (Baroka FC), Sandile Mthethwa (Chippa United/Orlando Pirates), Thuso Phala (SuperSport United), Harris Tchilimbou (Free State Stars), Sibusiso Zuma (SuperSport United)