Pirates aim to finish the job against Sekhukhune and reach MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates will seek to secure their place in the MTN8 final when they welcome Sekhukhune United to the Orlando Amstel Arena for the second leg of their semi-final this afternoon.

The Buccaneers take a narrow 1-0 lead into the decisive match after winning the opening leg in Polokwane last weekend. Deon Hotto scored the only goal of that encounter, striking in the first half to give Orlando Pirates the advantage.

Sekhukhune United, known as Babina Noko, remain firmly in contention, however, with the tie still having 90 minutes to run. A victory by a single goal would take the contest level on aggregate and ensure that the outcome is decided by the result at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Orlando Pirates will draw encouragement from their latest meeting with Sekhukhune United. The Soweto club followed up their first-leg success with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over the same opponents in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.

That result has strengthened the Buccaneers’ momentum as they attempt to reach the MTN8 final. But coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players will know that the semi-final remains unresolved until the second leg is complete.

The fixture is the latest chapter in a growing rivalry between the two teams, who have faced one another several times in recent weeks. With a place in the final at stake, another closely fought contest is expected as Orlando Pirates attempt to protect their lead and Sekhukhune United chase a route back into the tie.

Ouaddou could again turn to a balanced line-up capable of defending the advantage while creating opportunities at the other end. The Buccaneers will need to manage the game carefully, with the slender margin leaving little room for complacency.

Orlando Pirates’ predicted starting XI is: Sipho Chaine; Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto; Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Simphiwe Masilela; Yanela Mbuthuma and Gamphani Lungu.

Hotto’s first-leg goal means Orlando Pirates do not need to win the return match to progress, but any failure to maintain their advantage would give Sekhukhune United a chance to overturn the tie. The Buccaneers will therefore be aiming to complete the job on home soil and book their place in the MTN8 final.