Orlando Pirates midfielder Xola Mlambo admits that the midfield battle against Kaizer Chiefs proved to be ‘difficult competition’.

The Buccaneers advanced to the Telkom Knockout final after beating rivals Amakhosi 2-1 in the semi-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Mlambo, who walked away with the Man of the Match award, says that Chiefs packed the midfield with the likes of Willard Katsande and George Maluleka, but felt his side matched them with the likes of Musa Nyatama, Thabiso Kutumela and Thembinkosi Lorch.

‘It was definitely not an easy game. Kaizer Chiefs is a great team to play against. Playing Kaizer Chiefs twice in a row in a period of two weeks [four weeks] is not easy. So the guys gave it a great push and we were fortunate to come out with a victory. We created the chances and lucky for us we managed to convert them,’ Mlambo told SuperSport TV after the game.

‘You’re playing against the likes of Mido [George Maluleka] and [Willard] Katsande, but we got Musa [Nyatama] as well experience. I got [Thabiso] Kutumela in front of me, he’s a great number ten. He plays in between the lines. I have [Thembinkosi] Lorch. So it was difficult competition in midfield.

‘They packed the midfield and we had to pack it as well. We managed to pull through and dominated it if I could say.’