Kamogelo Sebelebele, who rescued Orlando Pirates from defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8, has reflected on the spirited fightback to set up a thrilling second leg.
Pirates fought to rescue a 1-1 result after Teboho Mokoena had put the visitors ahead in an MTN8 semi-final at a sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
New signing Sebelebele broke through on goal and stabbed the ball past Ronwen Williams to save the Sea Robbers’ blushes with just three minutes left on the clock.
The Soweto giants were under particular pressure, having lost two consecutive matches in the build-up to the cup showdown.
Speaking to the club’s media after the match, the former TS Galaxy man said his side knew they could not afford another loss.
"It wasn’t an easy game, and it was actually my first time starting. For me, it wasn’t easy, but I pushed myself," reflected Sebelebele.
"After they scored on us, I didn’t lose hope. I felt I could score a goal and that we could win the game. Unfortunately, we didn’t.
"We will try to push harder in the second leg and make sure we win. We really can’t afford to lose this game against Sundowns. We’ve already lost two, so we have to bounce back and win.
"Orlando Pirates must rise again and be the Pirates that everyone knows," he continued.
The second leg is set for Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
