Orlando Pirates return to cup action on Saturday, 22 August when they travel to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final.
The Buccaneers have been focused on league duties over the past week but now turn their attention back to the defence of their MTN8 crown.
Saturday’s clash will be Orlando Pirates’ third consecutive fixture on the road, adding another challenge as they travel to Limpopo for the first of two crucial semi-final encounters.
With the two sides scheduled to meet three times in just over a week, the opening leg could prove crucial in determining who takes the advantage into the return fixture.
Orlando Pirates face demanding schedule
Orlando Pirates head into the semi-final having spent much of the past week travelling.
Their recent league campaign included a goalless draw against AmaZulu in KwaZulu-Natal before an emphatic victory over Chippa United.
Their route into the MTN8 semi-finals was far more dramatic.
Orlando Pirates were pushed all the way by Durban City in their quarter-final, eventually securing their place in the last four with the decisive moment coming in the final action of a 120-minute contest.
The Soweto giants have now reached the MTN8 semi-finals for the fifth consecutive season and will be determined to keep their title defence on track.
Orlando Pirates will, however, be without Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha for Saturday’s clash. Tshepang Moremi could return after missing the victory over Chippa United.
Sekhukhune confident after strong start
Sekhukhune United have also made an impressive start to the campaign and booked their place in the MTN8 semi-finals with an entertaining 4-3 victory over AmaZulu.
Babina Noko have won two of their three league matches so far, with their latest success coming in a convincing Limpopo derby victory over Polokwane City.
Their only defeat came against Kaizer Chiefs, with Sekhukhune responding strongly in the derby to demonstrate their ability to bounce back from setbacks.
They will be without left-back Vuyo Letlapa, who is injured, while on-loan right-back Tshepho Mashiloane cannot feature against his parent club.
Despite those absences, Sekhukhune United have shown enough early-season form to suggest they can pose a serious threat to the defending champions.
What the coaches said
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou stressed the importance of remaining focused on his team’s own approach.
“We just have to stick to our principles, our way of playing football. You know we are not too focused on the opponent, even when we study the opponent,” Ouaddou said.
Sekhukhune United coach Cedric Kaze acknowledged the challenge facing his side but insisted they are ready for the contest.
“We know how big is the mountain we need to climb, but we are preparing ourselves and want to compete. Starting on Saturday, for the first leg we need to be our best,” Kaze said.
Orlando Pirates hold the head-to-head advantage
Although the rivalry between the clubs is relatively young, the two sides have already produced several memorable encounters.
Their first major cup meeting came in the 2022/23 Nedbank Cup final, when Orlando Pirates claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory to lift the trophy.
They met again in the MTN8 quarter-finals, with Orlando Pirates producing a dominant display to beat Sekhukhune 5-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Overall, the teams have met 12 times across all competitions, with Orlando Pirates winning six, Sekhukhune United four and two matches ending in draws.
Orlando Pirates have also scored 15 of the 25 goals recorded across those meetings.
Match details
Match: Sekhukhune United vs Orlando Pirates
Competition: MTN8 semi-final, first leg
Date: Saturday, 22 August
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
TV: SuperSport PSL and SABC 1
Tickets: Available through OpenTickets
The second leg will determine which side advances to the MTN8 final, but Saturday’s opening encounter gives both teams an opportunity to establish an important advantage.
Prediction
Sekhukhune United 1-1 Orlando Pirates
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