The Nedbank Cup quarter finals features a highly anticipated clash between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates, two teams with a rich history of cup rivalries.
A chance at making history is on the cards for the Buccaneers as they aim to lift the cup for the third successive time.
Form Guide
The reigning champions, Orlando Pirates, have been drawn to face SuperSport United in an exciting clash set to take place at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Coming off a surprising 2-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants this past Saturday, Pirates will be eager to bounce back and restore their winning form.
The two sides are no strangers to each other, having already met twice earlier this season. In their first encounter, Pirates triumphed over United in a dramatic MTN8 semi-final, securing a 3-1 victory after extra time, a result that ultimately led to them lifting the prestigious trophy. Their most recent meeting also went the way of the Buccaneers, who cruised to a 2-0 victory in a league match last October.
With a solid record against United this season, Orlando Pirates will be confident heading into this match, and their fans will be hopeful for another win to get their campaign back on track.
Player to watch
Tshegofatso Mabasa stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick against Baroka FC during the Nedbank Cup Round of 32, marking his second of the season and bringing his career tally for Orlando Pirates to 44 goals (at that time).
With his incredible turn in form during recent years, Mabasa has now surpassed Phumlani Mkhize and the late Lesley Manyathela, both of whom were tied at 41 goals. He now sits second on Pirates’ all-time scoring list, just behind Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi, who holds the record with 58 goals.
Mabasa has set his sights on becoming the club’s all-time top scorer, and his performance against Baroka FC has boosted his season total to 13 goals and one assist from 30 appearances across all competitions. This hat-trick follows his earlier one in an 8-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership.
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 15:00 on Saturday, 8 March and will be broadcast live on the public broadcaster’s radio stations for commentary. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL channel 202 and can also be streamed on Showmax.
Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
The 45 000 seater stadium will host the clash between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates. The Polokwane based stadium was refurbished to a state-of-the-art stadium ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and hosted several group-stage matches during the global football spectacle.
The stadium primarily serves as the home ground for Sekhukhune United, one of the sixteen topflight teams in the PSL. That being said, it has hosted various PSL matches, including high-profile encounters involving teams such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
SuperSport United 2/1 | Draw 19/10 | Orlando Pirates 16/10
With SuperSport United blowing hot and cold all season long, I can’t see them getting past this Pirates outfit. Back on Pirates to win and over 2.5 goals at 4/1.