Sekhukhune United v Orlando Pirates: Confirmed line-ups for MTN8 semi-final

Orlando Pirates begin their MTN8 semi-final campaign against Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, with both sides naming their starting line-ups for the first leg.

The match kicks off at 15:00 as Pirates look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and build on their impressive 3-0 victory over Chippa United in Durban last Sunday.

That result lifted the Buccaneers to the top of the Betway Premiership, although their attention now turns to the defence of their MTN8 challenge. Pirates have played four matches in all competitions so far and are yet to lose.

They were made to work hard in the quarter-finals, eventually overcoming Durban City 3-2 after extra time to secure their place in the last four.

Sekhukhune United have also made an encouraging start to the campaign under former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze. Babina Noko moved up to fifth in the Premiership table after beating Polokwane City in the Limpopo derby last Saturday.

Their only defeat so far came against Kaizer Chiefs in the league a week ago. Before that setback, Sekhukhune had produced a dramatic 4-3 extra-time win over AmaZulu to reach the MTN8 semi-finals.

The two teams are meeting again in this competition after their previous MTN8 encounter came in the quarter-finals of the 2023 edition. Pirates won that match emphatically, recording a 5-0 victory.

However, the Buccaneers did not enjoy the better of the league meetings between the sides last season. Sekhukhune won the campaign’s opening fixture 1-0, while the return match ended in a goalless draw.

Confirmed line-ups

Sekhukhune United: Buthelezi, Mkhize, Kazeem, Matsimbi, Mobbie, Cardoso, Rammala, Mojela, Tlaka, Mokoena, Ndlovu

Substitutes: Nsabata, Ndlozi, Malivha, Mcaba, Khiba, Ramabu, Nkwana, Phiri, Mahlangu

Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sebelebele, Sibisi, Seema, Hotto, Mthiyane, Mokobodi, Masilela, Lungu, Appollis, Mbuthuma

Substitutes: Dladla, Kgositsile, Dansin, Msendami, Zulu, Pedersen, Selepe, Rapoo, Makhaula

The first leg provides both teams with an opportunity to establish an advantage before the semi-final is decided over the return fixture. Pirates arrive with the confidence of leading the Betway Premiership, while Sekhukhune will draw encouragement from their progress in the competition and their strong early-season form under Kaze.