Orlando Stadium will be abuzz this Saturday as Orlando Pirates welcome rivals Mamelodi Sundowns for the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal tie.
A sell-out crowd is expected at the iconic venue for what is undoubtedly the season’s biggest fixture thus far, with two of the country’s biggest clubs going head-to-head in what promises to be another exciting cup clash.
The two Gauteng giants meet in the last four for the third time in the MTN8 era, with the Buccaneers looking to go past one of their biggest foes to keep their hopes of an unprecedented fourth consecutive title alive. It’s an equally important fixture for the visitors, who are looking to end Pirates’ lengthy reign in the competition.
The Opposition
Sundowns visit Soweto fresh off registering their first three-point haul in the league this season, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night. Their previous Premiership outing yielded a single point as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a stubborn Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium over the weekend.
The match in Gqeberha remains their only away fixture so far this season, with the other two taking place in more familiar territory. They were in Tshwane for their MTN8 quarter-final clash against Richards Bay, where they netted four goals without conceding to open their campaign with a comfortable win in a match played at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Ahead of their trip to Orlando, the Tshwane Giants have confirmed a couple of permanent exits with ex-Buccaneer Thembinkosi Lorch leaving the club along with midfielder Neo Maema.
All focus will now be on Saturday’s fixture as they aim to place themselves on the driving seat ahead of the deciding leg, which will be taking place in their own backyard.
Bucs Team News
The Buccaneers went past Polokwane City in the opening round, beating them 2-0 at Orlando Stadium to secure a spot in the semis. The high of that season opener was soon followed by a difficult week in the Premiership, where they are yet to register a point.
This is after a 1-0 defeat at home to Sekhukhune on the first match day plus a disappointing midweek outing away from home, where they lost 2-1 to Marumo Gallants at Dr Molemela Stadium.
A break from league football could be a welcome change for the Soweto Giants, who are unbeaten in their eight most recent cup fixtures.
They head into the clash with an injury worry over Nkosinathi Sibisi, who missed the trip to Bloemfontein with vice-captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi taking over the armband. Defender Olisa Ndah also remains sidelined alongside veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula, with both players yet to feature this season.
There are options aplenty for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou however, as Pirates look to get back to winning ways on their return to a competition they have dominated in recent years.
Head-to-Head
Pirates go into the fixture looking to not only draw first blood in the tie, but to also uphold a proud record against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8. They have not lost to their rivals from Tshwane in the competition’s current format, which consists of two-legged semifinals.
They have competed twice in the last four, with the Buccaneers pulling past the Brazilians on both occasions, courtesy of a 4-3 aggregate score in the 2011/12 edition and a 3-0 win en route to lifting the 2022/23 title.
Their other clash during this period was in the final held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in October 2023, where the Soweto Giants lifted the second of three consecutive trophies with victory on penalties following a goalless draw.
Sundowns’ last win over Pirates in top-eight competition came in 2007, when an early strike from Brent Carelse handed them a tight 1-0 win in the final.
TV Coverage and Ticket Info
Kick-off is at 15:00 with the match broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. You can also follow the action as it happens by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms.
Tickets are sold out.
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.
