Orlando Pirates confident of MTN8 title defence ahead of Sekhukhune semi-final

Orlando Pirates legend Innocent Maela believes the club have the quality and experience to defend their MTN8 title, despite facing a difficult semi-final first leg against Sekhukhune United on Saturday.

The Buccaneers will travel to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Babina Noko, with Pirates seeking a fifth successive MTN8 triumph. The Soweto club must first negotiate a two-legged semi-final before they can begin planning for another final appearance.

Maela, who won the competition four times during his spell with Orlando Pirates, is confident Sekhukhune United will not prevent the defending champions from pursuing further silverware.

“Look, when you play for a club like ours, you want to win all the trophies you partake in. We have shown in recent years that whenever we win a trophy, we are more than able and capable to defend it,” Maela toldKickOff.com.

His comments reflect the expectations surrounding Orlando Pirates, who have demonstrated in recent years that winning a trophy has been followed by an immediate attempt to retain it. Maela believes that ambition remains unchanged this season, with the club targeting the MTN8 and the other trophies they won last season.

“So I think it’s more than possible for us this season to do the same, to win the MTN8, to win all the trophies that we won last season and even more.

“But now, going into this tournament, the MTN8, we play Sekhukhune United. The first leg is away from home, so I think it’s going to be tough.”

The first meeting in Polokwane is likely to provide a stern examination of Pirates’ title credentials. Maela acknowledged the challenge of opening the tie away from home but said a positive result would leave his former club with a strong opportunity in the return fixture.

“But I think it’s possible for us to come back home in the return fixture with a positive result and give ourselves a chance to be in the final.”

The second leg will give Orlando Pirates the chance to finish the job in front of their home support, although Maela stressed that reaching the final would open the door to any outcome.

“When you’re in the final, anything is possible, and we trust our team more than anyone in finals. So we do know that we stand a good chance of winning the tournament.”

Maela also pointed to the squad’s experience as a significant advantage in the knockout competition. He believes that familiarity with high-pressure matches, combined with the club’s recent success, can help Pirates complete another successful campaign.

“The team has more than enough experience to do so. So, I do believe it’s going to be a huge success this season again.”

Orlando Pirates’ immediate task is to secure a favourable result against Sekhukhune United in Saturday’s first leg before the return fixture determines which side reaches the MTN8 final.