Orlando Pirates begin MTN8 title defence with Sekhukhune United semi-final test

Orlando Pirates begin the defence of their MTN8 title against Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their semi-final at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The match kicks off at 15:00, with the return fixture scheduled for next weekend at Orlando Amstel Arena. Pirates are aiming to win the competition for a fifth consecutive season after lifting the trophy in each of the past four campaigns, from 2022 to 2025.

The Buccaneers travel to Limpopo for their third successive away match, with the result likely to shape their hopes of claiming the first piece of silverware available this season.

Pirates reached the last four by overcoming Durban City 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-finals. They then switched their attention to the Betway Premiership, where they played their next two games on the road.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side drew 1-1 with AmaZulu at Kings Park Stadium before responding emphatically against Chippa United at the same venue. Pirates won that match 3-0, a result which lifted them to the top of the league table.

Their focus must now return to knockout football, where a poor result in the opening leg could leave them with a difficult task in the second meeting.

Sekhukhune United will not be short of confidence. Babina Noko secured their semi-final place with a dramatic 4-3 extra-time win over AmaZulu in the quarter-finals, and they will have home advantage when the two sides meet in Polokwane.

The fixture also begins an unusual sequence between the clubs. Pirates and Sekhukhune will play each other three times in just over a week, with a Betway Premiership meeting at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday separating the two MTN8 matches. The second leg will take place on 29 August.

For Pirates, the immediate objective is to produce a strong first-leg performance and return to Soweto with a result that gives them control of the tie. Their recent dominance of the MTN8 means they will be expected to progress, but Sekhukhune’s quarter-final victory underlines the threat they pose.

Ouaddou must also assess his squad carefully. Pirates have confirmed that Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha will miss the match, while Tshepang Moremi could return after being left out of the starting line-up for the victory over Chippa United.

Those developments may lead to changes from the team that faced the Chilli Boys, as the Pirates manager weighs experience, attacking options and control in midfield.

A possible Pirates line-up is: Sipho Chaine, Kamohelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto, Thapelo Mokobodi, Camren Dansin, Tshepang Moremi, Ghampani Lungu, Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma.

With Sekhukhune United hosting the opening match and Pirates seeking to extend their remarkable MTN8 run, the visitors know that a disciplined display in Limpopo could be decisive before the semi-final returns to Orlando Amstel Arena.