Pirates backline hit by injuries before Sundowns showdown

Orlando Pirates welcome rivals Mamelodi Sundowns for the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal tie at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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.

Pirates 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.

Orlando Pirates looking to continue their dominance over Sundowns in the MTN8

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.

Sundowns’ last win over Pirates in MTN8 competition came in 2007, when an early strike from Brent Carelse handed them a tight 1-0 win in the final.