Orlando Pirates are on course to claim a cup double after advancing to the Nedbank Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in extra-time.
Chiefs welcomed back Brandon Peterson in goal as well as Edmilson Dove and Samkelo Zwane, whereas the Buccaneers had Miguel Timm and Kabelo Dlamini back from suspension.
After a tough opening, the Buccaneers hit the front on 14 minutes after Monnapule Saleng skipped past a couple challenges to cross for Kermit Erasmus, who tapped into an empty net just moments after Christian Saile Basomboli squandered a big chance at the other end.
The Amakhosi targeted a swift response after two minutes where a long-range drive by Yusuf Maart rolled neatly on the ground and narrowly shaved the foot of the post.
With the match evenly poised, Pirates went searching for a second goal on the half-hour mark courtesy of Saleng's curling free-kick from a tight angle but the winger dragged wide.
Chiefs regained a bit of momentum minutes to halftime and an overload on the right led to a cross which Siyabonga Ngezana slammed over before Christian Saile Basomboli went wide with a header.
The Buccaneers made a change on the stroke of halftime when Deon Hotto came on for Bandile Shandu, who were involved in a heavy collision.
Jose Riveiro's men desperately looked to double their lead after the break and were inches close through efforts by Erasmus and Terrence Dzvukamanja, but neither pounced.
Chiefs did have a chance of their own to draw matters level towards the midway phase of the second stanza when Hlanti nodded wide from a smart delivery.
The Amakhosi eventually pulled level with under ten minutes to go when Maart caught the defence napping and finished past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
With matters even and extra-time in sight, Pirates looked for the winner and were very close through Hotto's rasping shot but Peterson pushed away and another 30 minutes did follow.
Following a balanced start, the Buccaneers claimed the victory with four minutes to play when Sandile Mthethwa jumped on the end of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo's cross and headed in.
Pirates in the end had done enough to earn the victory, bragging rights as well as a place in the final of the tournament.
Confirmed line-ups:Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Dove, Ngezana, Hlanti, Frosler, Solomons, Zwane, Maart, Sithebe, Du Preez Salie
Subs: Bvuma, Alexander, Njabulo Ngcobo, Kwinika, Matlou, Bimenyimana, Shabalala, Mashiane, Sekgota
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Xoki, Shandu, Mako, Timm, Monare, Dlamini, Dzvukamanja, Saleng, Erasmus
Subs: Mpontshane, Pule, Mthethwa, Ratomo, Makhaula, Nga, Ndlondlo, Hotto, Monyane
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