Pirates fans confident after MTN8 draw

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will renew their rivalry in the MTN8 semi-finals after the two sides were drawn against each other on Sunday.

Both teams won their quarter-final clashes in the opening weekend as football returned in the country. It all began with the Soweto Giants launching yet another pursuit for the title as they looked to keep the trophy for a fourth consecutive season.

The Buccaneers past Polokwane City in front of a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday, aided by first-half goals from Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswanganyi in a fairly comfortable 2-0 win.

Their opponents in the last four turned in a dominant display of their own a day later, brushing aside the challenge posed by Richards Bay to secure a 4-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Sundowns and Pirates to meet early in the season

A dramatic draw that followed the latter fixture set up a dream clash, reminiscent of the 2022 edition of the competition which kicked off with a tensely-contested goalless draw in the first leg at Orlando Stadium. This was before the Buccaneers turned on the heat in the deciding leg at Peter Mokaba Stadium where Kermit Erasmus edged the visitors ahead early in the clash before a Monnapule Saleng brace that sealed a 3-0 win.

It’s a victory that proved significant in Pirates’ current run in the tournament, as they went on to clinch the first of three consecutive titles, beating AmaZulu in the final. Their bitter rivals now stand in the way of an unprecedented streak, which could stretch to four titles.

Orlando Pirates fans ready for Sundowns

After the draw was conducted, many Bucs fans were happy to draw Masandawana. The two teams played each other twice last season with both sides getting the better of each other.

“We don’t fear Sundowns. We have to set a good example by beating them decisively during the first leg. MTN Cup belongs to us, Orlando Pirates, Ezimnyama ngenkani, the People’s team. Up the Bucs,” @Remiazania2 tweeted.

“We own that fc in cup competitions, they know it very well,” @salim_sgo tweeted.