In a highly anticipated MTN8 semifinal clash, Orlando Pirates will host Mamelodi Sundowns at a sold-out Orlando Stadium this Saturday.
The Mighty Buccaneers, who have had a difficult start to the season, will be looking to extend their remarkable winning streak against Sundowns in cup competitions.
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Pirates Under Pressure to Deliver
Orlando Pirates enter this match under immense pressure. New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is facing early scrutiny after the team’s shaky start to the Betway Premiership season, which includes back-to-back defeats against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.
After just one victory from their opening three matches, some of the Bucs faithful are already questioning whether Ouaddou is the right person to lead the Soweto giants.
Speaking at a press conference, Ouaddou acknowledged the pressure, stating, “When you train such a big club, the pressure is everywhere. We have to transform it into positive pressure… and to bring back the happiness and the victories to the club.”
Adding to their challenges, Pirates will be without several key players due to injury. Ouaddou confirmed that captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, defender Olisa Ndah, and last season’s PSL Midfielder of the Season, Makhehleni Makhaula, will all be absent from the lineup.
Sundowns Full of Confidence
In contrast, Mamelodi Sundowns are riding a wave of confidence. Their recent 2-0 victory against AmaZulu was a commanding performance, with club record signing Arthur Sales earning the Man of the Match award.
Despite their strong form, coach Miguel Cardoso is not dwelling on past results. When asked about Pirates’ recent dominance over Sundowns in cup ties, he said, “I never look at the past; I just want to write the future and live in the present. I was not even here in South Africa for the past cup matches, it’s the first time we are going to play each other in a cup match.”
Pirates have a history of success against Sundowns in recent fixtures, being unbeaten in their last four encounters across all competitions. Notably, three of those victories came in the MTN8 tournament.
The first leg of this highly anticipated semifinal will kick off at 15:00 on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.