Sekhukhune United will look to take a first-leg advantage when they host four-time defending champions Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final tie at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.
Current form Babina Noko’s side reached the last four with a 4-3 extra-time victory over AmaZulu FC on 9 August, but have shown mixed early form in the Betway Premiership. Their league results include a 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs on 12 August and a 2-0 bounce-back win against Polokwane City on 15 August.
Pirates advanced after a 2-1 extra-time win over Durban City on 8 August and remain strong early in the Betway Premiership, topping the table with a 3-0 victory over Chippa United on 16 August.
Key absences Sekhukhune have suffered a double blow: first-choice left-back Vuyo Letlapa and on-loan right-back Tsepo Mashiloane are both ruled out as key absentees ahead of the high-stakes first-leg clash. Orlando Pirates are expected to be without Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha due to knee injuries, while Sihle Nduli is also sidelined with a long-term injury. Neither side has suspensions.
Three-match trilogy This will be the first of a brutal three-match trilogy between Sekhukhune and Pirates in just eight days - starting with the MTN8 semi-final first leg away at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, followed by a league clash in Soweto on 25 August, and culminating in the decisive second leg back on 29 August as another Bucs home game.
Head-to-head The last time the two sides faced off in the MTN8, Pirates put five goals past Sekhukhune. In cup competitions, Pirates have won both encounters - a 2-1 win in the 2022/23 Nedbank Cup final and a 5-0 victory in the 2023/24 MTN8 quarter-final.
Coaches’ words Sekhukhune head coach Cedric Kaze said, “It was the third game in six days against Polokwane City, and finishing it with a win is very important because we have a very busy week. We will get some rest and recover and prepare well for the MTN8 semi-final.”
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou added, “We just have to stick to our principles, our way of playing football. It’s important to give some input and information to the players, but our principles will stay the same.”
Players to watch Sekhukhune winger Tshepo Mokoena has scored three goals in four matches and earned two Man of the Match awards this season. He will look to hurt Pirates with his dangerous wing play and clinical finishing.
Pirates winger Ghampani Lungu has scored two goals this season, including the MTN8 quarter-final winner and the opener against Chippa United. He will look to torment Sekhukhune with his direct running and clinical finishing.
Overall record In all competitions, Sekhukhune have 12 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses, 10 goals for and 15 against. Pirates have 12 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses, 15 goals for and 10 against.
The match promises to be a tactical battle as both sides look to control possession and create chances, with the Pirates aiming to secure a crucial away win and Sekhukhune hoping to upset the favourites on their home turf.
