Orlando Pirates school Cape Town City and sail into third straight MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates delivered a masterclass performance, schooling Cape Town City as the Soweto giants soared into their third consecutive MTN8 final.

A clinical header from Tshegofatso Mabasa and a stunning free-kick by Deon Hotto sealed a 2-0 second leg victory, wrapping up the tie with a 3-1 aggregate triumph. 

The defending champions now await their final opponent, either Stellenbosch FC or Mamelodi Sundowns, with the showdown set for 5 October, although the venue is yet to be confirmed.

The Buccaneers stand on the brink of history, with the chance to become the first team to win three consecutive MTN8 titles.

In his third season at the Sea Robbers' helm, José Riveiro, already boasting four cup titles, made just one tactical tweak from the first leg - a 1-1 draw at Cape Town Stadium- bringing in Makhehlene Makhaula for Kabelo Dlamini.

The adjustment paid dividends, fortifying the midfield and adding the control that had been lacking in the earlier encounter.

On the other hand, Eric Tinkler stuck with his starting eleven, a decision that may, in hindsight, have been a misstep.

Riveiro is as tactical as coaches may come, but he would have wondered why his Buccaneers were slow out of the blocks in front of a sold-out home crowd.

Lucky for the men in black, City, donning their purple away kit, were not their brave selves too and seemed more static than anything else.

By the 20th minute, City had managed the only shot on target, but Sipho Chaine made a comfortable save.

Then, in a dramatic turn of events, the home crowd burst into celebration just four minutes later as the Buccaneers grabbed the lead, shifting the momentum and igniting the stadium with their game-changing goal.

A short corner kick was taken by Patrick Maswanganyi,