Orlando Pirates host Durban City in the MTN8 quarterfinal on Saturday 8 August. The game kicks off at 15:00 from the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Young playmaker Simphiwe Masilela is tipped to start in attacking midfield after Patrick Maswanganyi picked up an injury during last weekend’s 2-0 Betway Premiership win over Milford FC.
SIMPHIWE MASILELA SET FOR BIG CHANCE
Maswanganyi struggled to influence the match against Milford before limping off with what appeared to be a serious injury. His absence is expected to open the door for Masilela, who recently earned promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge reserve team.
The exciting youngster could make his biggest senior start yet as Orlando Pirates begin their defence of the MTN8 title. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side are chasing a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 crown after lifting the trophy again last season.
EXPECTED ORLANDO PIRATES XI VS DURBAN CITY IN THE MTN8
The Buccaneers expected to line up:
Sipho Chaine; Lebone Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto; Cemran Dansin, Thalente Mbatha; Simphiwe Masilela, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis; Yanela Mbuthuma.
Durban City will arrive believing they can cause an upset. The Nedbank Cup holders have strengthened their squad under new coach Khalil Ben Youssef. They also frustrated Orlando Pirates in a goalless league draw when the sides last met.
Orlando Pirates have another piece of history within reach. Ouaddou’s side can become the first club to win the MTN8 five seasons in a row.
They lifted the trophy last season after beating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 after extra time in the final. Moremi scored twice, while Tshegofatso Mabasa added the other goal to seal another memorable triumph.
All quarter-finals will take place this weekend.
- Sunday, 9 August (18:00) – Kaizer Chiefs vs Lamontville Golden Arrows (FNB Stadium)
- Saturday, 8 August (15:00) – Orlando Pirates vs Durban City (Orlando Amstel Arena)
- Saturday, 8 August (18:00) – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Polokwane City (Lucas Moripe Stadium)
- Sunday, 9 August (15:00) – AmaZulu FC vs Sekhukhune United (Chatsworth Stadium).
