Orlando Pirates begin MTN8 title defence against Durban City

Orlando Pirates will start their defence of the MTN8 when they face Durban City in the quarter-finals at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The reigning champions go into the tie after making a winning start to their Betway Premiership campaign, edging newly promoted Milford FC in their opening league match of the season.

Pirates defeated Stellenbosch FC after extra time in last season’s final to claim the MTN8 trophy for a fourth successive year. The achievement leaves them one title short of matching Kaizer Chiefs’ overall record in the competition.

However, Durban City are expected to provide a serious test. The KwaZulu-Natal side came close to damaging Pirates’ title hopes in the penultimate week of last season, meaning the champions will be aware of the threat posed by their opponents.

Durban City also have recent cup success to draw on. They won the Nedbank Cup last season during their first campaign back in the top flight, underlining their ability to perform in knockout football.

Pirates recorded a 2-0 victory over the Team of Choice in the first round of the league last season. Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi scored the goals in that match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.

Orlando Pirates’ confirmed starting XI is: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Sebelebele, Ndaba, Dansin, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Appollis and Mbuthuma.

Their substitutes are Dladla, Kgositsile, Masilela, Zulu, Mokobodi, Radiopane, Lungu and Hotto.

Durban City will begin with Asare, Msomi, Mokone, Ncanana, Shandu, Poggenpoel, Sanger, Nodada, Sifumba, Sirino and Lubumba.

Durban City’s substitutes are Dreyer, Gcaba, Maseko, Mthembu, Mofokeng, Makua, Morris, Green and Domingo.

The match gives Pirates the opportunity to continue their early-season momentum while taking the first step towards a fifth consecutive MTN8 title. For Durban City, the quarter-final represents another chance to build on last season’s Nedbank Cup triumph and challenge one of South Africa’s leading clubs in a major knockout fixture.