Orlando Pirates advance to fourth successive semi-final under coach Jose Riveiro

This wasn't so much a win for Orlando Pirates as them confirming the status quo. The Buccaneers beat the country's whipping boys, Cape Town Spurs, to advance to the semi-final of the Carling Knockout.

Goals from Thapelo Xoki and Kermit Erasmus ensured that the Sea Robbers sail to their fourth successive semi-final appearance under coach Jose Riveiro.

It was always going to be a one-sided contest. You had Pirates playing at home in their first match after winning the MTN8 and with a growing reputation as cup specialists under Riveiro. The Spaniard has led the Sea Robbers to three trophies in only his second season at the club – winning every cup final he has been a part of in the country.

In his way of another good cup run was a team that has lost so much it has forgotten how to win. Spurs came into this game having lost their first eight matches in the DStv Premiership – setting an unwanted record for the worst start in the league. Umtata Bush Bucks held that record before them when they were defeated in all their first six matches in the 1999-2000 season. Spurs poor run led to the sacking of Shaun Bartlett.

To steady the ship Spurs brought Vasilis Manouskis while they look for a more permanent solution. Manouskis is a reasonable stand-in, having worked in various clubs in the country – from Cape Town City to AmaZulu and Richards Bay. The common theme in these teams when Manousakis was with them was that they were tough to break down. He seems to have instilled that at Spurs.

The Capetonians were stubbornly resolute. What they lacked in quality, they made up for it in heart and determination. Take for instance when Deon Hotto waltzed past goalkeeper Zama Dlamini after beautifully controlling the ball. Nazeer Allie came out of