This Saturday, the nation’s attention will be attracted to Orlando Stadium in Soweto, where Orlando Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their MTN 8 semifinal encounter.
It is a highly anticipated matchup, with the two most recent winners of the competition vying for the upper hand in the opening leg, with the ultimate objective for both teams being to claim the first trophy of the season.
Form Guide
The last time the Buccaneers played was three weeks ago, when they defeated the TS Galaxy 2-0 to move into second place in the league rankings.
This was their third victory in their past five games, a streak that included their 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Royal AM. Since mid-August, the Soweto Giants have suffered just one defeat, with their goalless draw against SuperSport United on the road being their lone tie over this span.
Although victories have not come as frequently as many Bucs fans would have liked, the team has had a solid start to the season, winning five of their first nine games across all competitions and losing only twice.
They face the early-season leaders and current holders of the MTN 8 title, who have had a shorter break between fixtures, having played on AmaZulu eight days after Pirates’ last match and recorded a last-minute triumph to consolidate their position atop the league rankings.
Sundowns have won four of their last five matches, with their lone loss coming against Tshwane rivals SuperSport United, whom they had previously beaten in the first round of the MTN 8 to advance to the semifinals.
They have won seven of their last ten games across all competitions, while losing twice and drawing once.
Team Updates
The Buccaneers will welcome back midfielder Goodman Mosele from suspension, and the player will have received much-needed playing time with his national side over the international break.
Four Pirates players, including the 22-year-old, have returned to the Bucs camp after playing for South Africa over the last week, along with Ghana’s Richard Ofori, who played for the Black Stars against Nicaragua on Tuesday.
After being out for several weeks, Vincent Pule, Terrence Dzvukamanja, and Thabiso Monyane have all resumed training with the rest of their colleagues and could return to the match day squad.
Also in contention for selection are Pirates’ transfer deadline day newcomers Kermit Erasmus, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, and Sipho Chaine, as well as striker Evidence Makgopa, who has made tremendous strides in his recovery from an ankle injury.
Sundowns have strengthened their roster in the final days of the transfer window by acquiring defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil from Moroccan powerhouse Raja Casablanca.
Abubeker Nasir, Gaston Sirino, and Haashim Domingo all missed the match against AmaZulu due to injuries.
Key figures
Miguel Timm (Orlando Pirates): Against a side that likes to control possession, a great deal will be demanded of the players stationed in the center of the field, and Timm’s ability to read the game and initiate forward ball will be vital. Since joining the Buccaneers, the 30-year-competitive old’s mentality has added an additional dimension to the engine room, elevating him to a starting position.
Marcelo Allende (Mamelodi Sundowns): The former Chilean youth international arrived in South Africa with a strong reputation and has already made a name for himself in a couple of games for the Sundowns. Allende has been particularly productive in cameo appearances since joining the Tshwane Giants, and he could be the deciding factor in a close matchup.
Head-to-Head
The Buccaneers last recorded a victory against their opponents more than two years ago, which will give the visitors confidence heading into this specific matchup.
This has not always been the case, as between 2010 and 2020, Pirates won eight victories to Sundowns’ seven across all tournaments, creating a tight rivalry.
The Soweto Giants will also have fond memories of the last time they met their Tshwane counterparts at this level of the league, as they prevailed 4-3 on aggregate in their last MTN 8 semifinal match, which took place in the 2011 edition of the tournament, which was won by the Buccaneers.
How to Stream the Orlando Pirates vs. Mamelodi Sundowns Match
Saturday’s match is set to begin at 15:30 and will be aired live on SuperSport PSL. Tickets may be purchased at Ticketpro for R80 for adults and R20 for children under 12 years of age.
Orlando Pirates will also deliver live information across its social media sites.