Orlando Pirates set up MTN8 semi-final with Sekhukhune United

Orlando Pirates’ bid for a fifth successive MTN8 title will continue against Sekhukhune United after Ghampani Lungu’s last-gasp extra-time goal secured a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Durban City.

The defending champions were forced to wait until the 120th minute before substitute Lungu settled a tightly contested match in Soweto last Saturday. Durban City, competing in the MTN8 for the first time, pushed Pirates all the way before eventually being eliminated.

Sekhukhune United booked their place in the last four with a dramatic 4-3 extra-time win over KwaZulu-Natal side AmaZulu.

The other semi-final will be contested by Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows. Golden Arrows ended Kaizer Chiefs’ campaign with a 1-0 victory at FNB Stadium, while African champions Sundowns required extra time to overcome a determined Polokwane City 3-2.

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he will continue to select the team he believes gives the club the strongest chance of success, despite the need to manage fitness within a squad that has changed significantly during the off-season.

A number of players still require competitive minutes to regain match sharpness and adjust to the demands of the season. However, Ouaddou has made it clear that developing the squad will not take priority over winning matches.

The Moroccan coach referred to the pressure he faced at the start of his first season in charge, when Pirates lost their opening two games.

“We’re not in the circus, we have a professional ecosystem, there is a lot of expectation. If you want to remind you about my first two games last season, you think I was happy to have eight bodyguards around me?” he said after the victory over Durban City.

That experience has influenced his selection policy this season. Ouaddou says he will not rotate players simply to provide them with playing time, particularly while Pirates are attempting to retain the MTN8 trophy.

“I want to win, of course I’m gonna play the strongest team because the fans want to win this competition, the club want to win it as well and I want to win it as well and it won’t be easy,” he added.

The coach also said selection would be based on performance in training and during the team’s preparations, rather than on a player’s need for minutes.

“I’m always going to play the strongest team and the people who deserve to start will show me at training and in the preparation,” he said.

“I don’t give people flowers [favours] because when we lose three games, whose head [is] on the block?”

Pirates are preparing for a demanding season in which they will defend their Betway Premiership title and compete in the CAF Champions League. Those commitments will make managing the squad’s fitness and workload an important part of Ouaddou’s role.

The immediate focus, though, is on the MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United. Having survived a difficult quarter-final against Durban City, Pirates must now maintain their momentum while ensuring they field a team capable of keeping their title defence on course.