Tana Malinga
The table does not lie, but tonight, it could be rewritten.
Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United return to battle with barely enough time to breathe after Saturday’s MTN8 semifinal first leg, where the Buccaneers squeezed out a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Tonight, however, the prize is different.
Three valuable Betway Premiership points.
And with the season still young, every point carries weight.
Pirates enter the contest unbeaten in their opening three league matches, sitting on seven points after a strong start that included a commanding 3-0 victory over Chippa United.
But Sekhukhune are not arriving in Soweto to play second fiddle.
Babina Noko have already collected victories over Durban City and Polokwane City, while their second-half response against Pirates on Saturday showed that they have the character to fight back when the pressure rises.
Tonight promises another heavyweight examination.
The first MTN8 encounter may have gone Pirates’ way, but Sekhukhune now have 90 minutes to change the narrative.
History makes the contest even tastier.
The league rivalry is finely balanced, with both teams having recorded four victories apiece, alongside two draws. Sekhukhune have also enjoyed recent success when visiting Pirates, meaning the home side cannot afford complacency.
Pirates will be looking to impose their tempo, exploit spaces and make their attacking firepower count.
Sekhukhune will be looking to frustrate, absorb the pressure and punish every mistake.
There is nowhere to hide.
No cup calculations.
No second-leg mathematics.
No tomorrow.
Just 90 minutes of football, hunger and three-point warfare.
And while the players fight for points on the pitch, Virtual Pulse News, in collaboration with Betway, is bringing the supporters into the action.
WIN DOUBLE TICKETS TO TONIGHT’S SHOWDOWN!
Think you know your Pirates and Sekhukhune football?
Here is your chance to turn that knowledge into a matchday experience.
We are giving one lucky winner a DOUBLE TICKET to tonight’s highly anticipated clash!
All you need to do is take on our Pirates vs Sekhukhune Quiz Competition and answer the question correctly.
One question. One correct answer. One lucky winner. Two tickets. One unforgettable football night.
So sharpen your football knowledge, read carefully and get your answer in.
The winner will be selected from the correct entries and contacted with the ticket details.
THE SIMPLE QUESTION
When and where is the MTN 2nd leg encounter between the two sides taking place
Send your answer to 0813561440 on WHATSAPP and stand a chance to WIN!
Competition terms and winner verification apply. Only correct answers qualify.
With thanks to Betway, in collaboration with Virtual Pulse News, for putting supporters closer to the action.
Tonight, the players chase the points.
You could chase the tickets.
And at 19:30, the whistle blows.
Pirates. Sekhukhune. 90 minutes. Three points. Zero mercy.
Let the football begin.
