Orlando Pirates star is unlikely joint top-scorer in Nedbank Cup semi-finals

The Nedbank Cup semi-finals this coming weekend will see some unfamiliar names take part, with the likes of second-tier Casric Stars and Milford FC just one step away from a prestigious final in South Africa’s FA Cup.

Durban City host Casric Stars on Saturday and Milford FC go to TS Galaxy a day later.

But Orlando Pirates’ early exit means one of their players will not be able to make it a hat-trick of scoring in the semi-finals, with midfielder Kabelo Dlamini having netted twice in 2024 against Chippa United and again versus Marumo Gallants in 2025.

Those three goals make him the unlikely joint record holder for the most Nedbank Cup semi-final goals since 2008, alongside former teammate Kermit Erasmus, who scored for both SuperSport United and Pirates at this stage of the competition.

Erasmus was, until the end of last season, a Casric Stars player, so he might have featured again had he extended his stay at the club.

Former Bafana Bafana international Erasmus’ first Nedbank Cup semi-final goal came for SuperSport United against AmaZulu in 2012, before he netted again at this stage the following year for Matsatsantsa in their 3-2 success against Platinum Stars.

He had to wait another 10 years to get a third Nedbank Cup semi-final goal when he scored against Kaizer Chiefs in 2023, though a large part of that time was spent overseas.

Dlamini and Erasmus stand out from the rest, but there are 10 players who have scored twice in Nedbank Cup semi-finals, including Erasmus’ former Pirates teammate Sandile Mthethwa, who also netted against Chiefs in 2023.

His was the winner, as he scored in extra time to break the hearts of AmaKhosi.

Mthethwa had also netted for Chippa United in their 1-0 victory over Pretoria Callies in the 2021 semi-finals, before later joining Pirates.

Former Pirates forward Zakhele Lepasa is another with two Nedbank Cup semi-final goals, though both of his came on loan at TS Galaxy as they defeated Lamontville Golden Arrows 3-1 to reach the 2019 final, where the second-tier side stunned Chiefs in the decider.

Luvuyo Memela netted two semi-final goals for Pirates, scoring twice for the Buccaneers in a 4-2 semi-final win over Free State Stars in 2016, though Pirates would go on to lose the final to SuperSport United.

Victor Letsoalo netted twice in the 3-0 victory for Bloemfontein Celtic over his former team Baroka FC that sent his side into their first Nedbank Cup final in 2020, while Mark Haskins scored a semi-final brace for BidVest Wits against Free State Stars as they lifted the trophy in 2010.

Terrence Dzvukamanja (BidVest Wits), Harris Tchilimbou (Free State Stars), Thobani Mncwango (Baroka FC), Thuso Phala and Sibusiso Zuma (both SuperSport United) are others who have managed two goals in the semi-finals.

In all, there have been 93 goals scored in Nedbank Cup semi-finals since 2008 by 79 different players. That includes two unfortunate own goals by Mario Booysen (Maritzburg United) and Lucky Mohomi (Free State Stars).

Sundowns have scored the most semi-final goals with 14, followed by Pirates (12) and Chiefs (11). Interestingly, all 14 of Sundowns’ goals have been scored by different players.

Almost 40% of all Nedbank Cup semi-final goals since 2008 have been scored by the ‘Big 3’ – Pirates, Sundowns and Chiefs.

Players with 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)

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