Pirates Set to Test Road-Trip Resolve

Orlando Pirates will face Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal on Saturday, 21 August 2026, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. The Buccaneers, currently on a road trip, aim to secure a lead before the second leg in Polokwane.

The match follows a busy week for the Pirates. After a 0-0 draw with AmaZulu that earned them four points, they beat Chippa United in a convincing win. Their road excursion also included a quarter-final clash with Durban City, a 120-minute thriller that was decided in the final moments of extra time. With the away fixture in Limpopo, the Pirates will have to manage fatigue and a hostile environment to set the tone for the two-legged tie.

Squad Adjustments and Key Absences

Pirates will be without Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha, while Tshepang Moremi could return after missing the Chippa victory. Sekhukhune, meanwhile, will be missing left-back Vuyo Letlapa, who is injured, and right-back Tshepho Mashiloane, who is unavailable on loan. Despite these absences, Babina Noko’s squad has shown they can challenge the Buccaneers, highlighted by a 4-3 win over AmaZulu and a dominant 2-0 victory in the Limpopo derby against Polokwane City.

The only blemish on Sekhukhune’s record this season is a 2-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs, a result they have already moved past. Their recent form includes two league wins from three fixtures, suggesting they will be a formidable opponent.

Tactical Outlook

Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou stressed the importance of sticking to the club’s principles: “We just have to stick to our principles, our way of playing football. You know we are not too focused on the opponent, even when we study the opponent.”

Sekhukhune’s coach Cedric Kaze acknowledged the challenge: “We know how big is the mountain we need to climb, but we are preparing ourselves and want to compete. Starting on Saturday, for the first leg we need to be our best.”

Both sides will be looking to capitalize on the first leg’s outcome. Pirates will aim to secure a margin that eases the pressure for the return leg, while Sekhukhune will seek to overturn the away disadvantage.

Match Details

The game kicks off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. Fans can follow live updates on Orlando Pirates’ official social media channels and the Match Centre on the club’s website. Tickets are available online through OpenTickets.

The Pirates and Sekhukhune United have a budding rivalry, having met 12 times across competitions, with Pirates holding six wins, Sekhukhune four, and two draws. The Buccaneers have scored 15 of the 25 goals in those encounters. The upcoming fixture promises a high-stakes showdown that could set the tone for the MTN8 final.