Selepe determined to seize Orlando Pirates chances after first start

Orlando Pirates midfielder Simphiwe Selepe says he must make the most of every opportunity after being handed his first start of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Sekhukhune United.

The 21-year-old began the MTN8 semi-final second leg at Orlando Stadium as Pirates secured a 4-0 aggregate victory and booked a final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Selepe, from Tsakane on the East Rand, has had to be patient for opportunities since Jose Riveiro left the club at the end of the 2024/25 season. However, his recent involvement suggests he is beginning to gain the confidence of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

He is expected to feature again when Pirates travel to face Kruger United in the league at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

“My start today shows the belief the coaches have in me,” Selepe told Pirates’ media team.

“At the start of the season I was not even making the match-day squad, so it was very important for me to grab the opportunity with both hands when I got it.

“As you know, our midfield is packed with talent, so when I am given an opportunity I must grab it with both hands.”

Selepe has also benefited from the absence of Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha, who is sidelined with a knee injury. He appeared to form an effective midfield partnership with Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane during the victory over Sekhukhune.

Pirates go into the meeting with Kruger United aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the league. Their opponents are among the division’s newcomers and have yet to win, having collected one draw and suffered three defeats.

“Kruger are new boys in the league … for us, we have to build on the performance from Saturday,” said Pirates assistant coach Raayan Jacobs.

“We know it’s going to be a tricky fixture, but our objective is to collect maximum points.”

Pirates’ MTN8 final against Sundowns will take place at a venue yet to be confirmed on 10 October. Sundowns reached the final after beating Babina Noko 4-0 on aggregate.

Upcoming fixtures

All league matches are scheduled to kick off at 19:30 unless otherwise stated.

Tuesday: Durban City v Stellenbosch, Chatsworth; Kruger United v Orlando Pirates, Mbombela Stadium.

Wednesday: Mamelodi Sundowns v Milford, Loftus.

Friday: Gallants v Polokwane, Royal Bafokeng; Richards Bay v AmaZulu, Princess Magogo.

Saturday: Chippa v Milford, Nelson Mandela Bay, 15:00; Sekhukhune United v Galaxy, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 17:30.

Sunday: Arrows v Mamelodi Sundowns, King Zwelithini Stadium, 15:00; Kaizer Chiefs v Siwelele, Dobsonville, 17:30.

In the CAF Champions League on Sunday, La Cure Sylvester will host Orlando Pirates at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius, with the match starting at 13:30.

The CAF Confederation Cup schedule includes Durban’s home meeting with Burundi club Rukinzo at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, scheduled for 15:00.