Kaizer Chiefs allowed Orlando Pirates to come back from a goal down to win the Telkom Charity Cup semifinal 5-4 on penalties at the wet Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Saturday afternoon.

It was the second semifinal of the day as Sundowns took an early shower following a 2-0 drubbing from Platinum Stars at the same venue.

Zimbabwean sensation Knowledge “Sense” Musona had given the Glamour Boys a lead in the second minute that Katlego Mashego cancelled five minutes after the break.

Vladimir Vermezovic’s side had a brightest start when Musona volleyed home from a close range in the second minute of the game after Pirates defence failed to clear Tshifiwa Mmbooi’s long throw ball, 1-0 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Chiefs had employed a 4-3-3 system that saw veteran Arthur Zwane operating in the middle of the park alongside Gerald Sibeko. The veteran did not disappoint as he did a sterling job in the middle of the park. His coach singled him out at the press conference as the ‘important member of the team’.

Thela Ngobeni was at his best in the 22nd minute denying Teko Modise from a free-kick just outside the 18 area box. Gerald “Tso” Sibeko forced Moeneeb Josephs to make a spectacular save from a free-kick outside 18 area box. This was after Happy Jele fouled silky George Lebese.

Chiefs looked dangerously every time they go forward and in the 39th minute, Lucas Thwala had to make a desperate clearance after Torrealba broke in on the right sending a dangerous cross inside the 18 area box, 1-0 to Chiefs at halftime.

Musona, who was a menace to Pirates defence, watched going in front of goals after getting a through ball from Sibeko. It was Pirates though who opened scoring in the second stanza after Modise set up for Katlego Mashego to finish superbly, 1-1 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

With the skies clearing at Rustenburg both teams had a go at each other with Orlando Pirates Katlego Mashego coming close in the 85th minute. Lucky Khune from Kaizer Chiefs U-19 came close scoring on his first appearance for Chiefs when his header went just over the bar with Pirates defence caught napping.

The game like it was nine days ago (Vodacom Challenge semifinal in Port Elizabeth) had to be decided on penalties with Orlando Pirates edging Chiefs out after Thabang Rooi’s spot kick was saved by Josephs.

The Glamour Boys will not have time to digest the defeat as they have to meet Bidvest Wits University in a tricky MTN8 tie at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night. Kick-off for that game is at 20h00.

Chiefs: Ngobeni (I. Khune 89), Mmbooi, Jambo, Nahayo, Rooi, Sibeko, Zwane (Nengomasha 84), Musona (L. Khune 89), Torrealba (Dladla 75), Bulu (Masango 70), Lebese (Nale 70)

Substitutes not used: Ntuka, Sweswe, Motaung Jr., Nhleko, Mathebula,

Technical Team

Vladimir Vermezovic (Head Coach)


Donald Khuse (Assistant Coach)


Rainer Dinkelacker (Goalkeeper Coach)


Elsa Storm (Fitness Trainer)

Pirates: Josephs, Jele, Legwathi, Mhlongo, Makonese, Thwala, Manyisa, Mabalane, Mashego, Mthembu, Modise

Substitutes: Modiane, Mahamutsa, Seema, Makhanya, Kaiku, Mongala, Kamwendo, Schalkwyk, Mothibantwa, Masina, Mthombeni, Mabena

Technical Team

Rud Krol (Head Coach)


Williams Okpara (Goalkeeper Coach)


John Williams (Physiotherapist)


Ezikiel (Team Doctor)


Zondi Soloshe (Masseur)

Match Officials

Harry Lekitlane (Referee)


Enock Molefe (1st Assistant)


Toko Malebo (2nd Assistant)


Jorge Lobo (4th Official)