Orlando Pirates FC are set to host Sekhukhune United in a League Cup quarter-final this Friday, looking to extend a formidable winning run. The Buccaneers are in second place in the Premier Soccer League with 25 points from nine games, just one point off the top, and carry a +19 goal difference from their domestic campaign. Their league form shows they have scored an average of 2.6 goals per game this season, a rate they will hope to maintain in the cup.
They enter the knockout tie on the back of five consecutive victories across all competitions. Their most recent result was a 2-1 league win over rivals Kaizer Chiefs last Friday, with goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi. That form includes a 3-0 win over Milford FC and two commanding victories over African Stars in the CAF Champions League, where they scored a combined six goals. The team's overall momentum is showed by their current league table position, which they will look to strengthen after this cup fixture.
Opposition overview
Sekhukhune United arrive with mixed recent results. They lost their last Premier Soccer League match 1-0 away to Milford FC on October 31, but had secured wins against Richards Bay and Marumo Gallants in the two games prior. They will be aiming to disrupt the Pirates' momentum and spring a surprise at Orlando Stadium. Their primary threat comes from striker Ohizu, who has scored four goals in his last seven appearances for the club.
Team news and context
Orlando Pirates' attack has been spearheaded by Tshepang Moremi, who is the club's top scorer this season with five goals in seven appearances. The team's last starting lineup, a 4-2-3-1 formation used against Kaizer Chiefs, featured Chaine in goal with a front line of Mbuthuma and Moremi supported by Thapelo Mokobodi, who provided two assists in that derby win. Key midfielder Miguel Timm is expected to return to the squad after missing the last match through suspension, which will be a boost for the Pirates' midfield control.
Sekhukhune's likely setup mirrors that shape, with goalkeeper Buthelezi and striker Ohizu among their key players. The quarter-final is a single-elimination contest, raising the stakes significantly for both sides. A place in the semi-finals of the domestic cup is the immediate prize.
The match kicks off at 19:00 local time on Friday, November 6, at Orlando Stadium. It comes just two days after the Pirates travel to face Siwelele in a league match, testing the squad's depth during a busy period. The winner will advance to face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Cape Town City in the semi-final next month.
