Orlando Pirates name starting XI for MTN 8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United

Orlando Pirates have named their starting XI for Saturday’s MTN 8 semi-final first leg against Sekhukhune United at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium, as the defending champions begin their bid for a fifth successive title.

Pirates will be without Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha, with both players ruled out because of injury. Sekhukhune United have also confirmed two absences before the first meeting of what will be three matches between the sides this week.

The home side cannot select contract-restricted loanee Tshepo Mashiloane, while Vuyo Letlapa remains unavailable after suffering an injury in a league match two weeks ago.

Pirates, known as Wafa-Wafa, are seeking to extend their dominance of the MTN 8 by winning the competition for a fifth consecutive season. Sekhukhune United, meanwhile, are appearing in the semi-finals for the second successive campaign.

Both clubs required extra-time to progress from their respective quarter-final ties. Their latest meeting will therefore begin a demanding week of fixtures between the two teams, with Saturday’s encounter serving as the first leg of the semi-final.

Sekhukhune United will start with Buthelezi in goal, while Mkhize, Kazeem and Matsimbi form part of the defensive line. Mobbie, Cardoso and Rammala are also included, with Mojela, Tlaka, Mokoena and Ndlovu completing the starting XI.

Their substitutes are Nsabata, Ndlozi, Malivha, Mcaba, Khiba, Ramabu, Nkwana, Phiri and Mahlangu.

Orlando Pirates have selected Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Sebelebele, Hotto, Mthiyane, Mokobodi, Lungu, Masilela, Appollis and Mbuthuma from the start.

The Pirates bench consists of Dladla, Kgositsile, Dansin, Msendami, Zulu, Pedersen, Selepe, Rapoo and Makhaula.

The line-ups confirm the available options for both managers after injury and registration restrictions affected their selections. With the two sides having already needed extra-time to reach this stage, the semi-final begins with both teams carrying the momentum of hard-fought quarter-final victories.

Sekhukhune United will have home advantage at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium, while Orlando Pirates enter the tie as defending champions and favourites to retain the trophy. The first leg is the opening fixture in a busy sequence between the clubs, with the return meeting and their other scheduled clash still to come later in the week.