Orlando Pirates resume their MTN8 title defence this evening as they travel to DHL Stadium for the opening leg of their semifinal tie against Cape Town City.
Four days after advancing in the CAF Champions League, the Soweto Giants turn their focus to domestic cup action as they look to draw first blood in the first fixture in their two-legged match-up against the men from the Mother City.
Form Guide
The fixture comes after a tricky outing for Pirates, who were able to see off Malagasy champions ,Disciples FC in the deciding leg of the First Preliminary Round clash at Orlando Stadium on Friday. They won 4-0 after a goalless draw on the away leg played in Mauritius five days prior, ensuring progress into the play-off round of the Champions League.
It was yet another successful cup tie for the Buccaneers, who had disposed of SuperSport United in their MTN8 quarter-final on home soil. With seven goals scored in their first three games of the season, Pirates will look to find the net a few more times in what could be a testing assignment on the road against a well-rested City outfit.
The home side have been able to channel all their focus towards the upcoming clash against the Buccaneers since booking their spot in the semis. They did so by beating Sekhukhune United 1-0 courtesy of a late penalty converted by Darwin Gonzales.
Now taking to the field once more after two weeks of no competitive action, Eric Tinkler’s men will look to use the lengthy rest to their advantage against a battle-tested Bucs outfit.
Team News
Pirates have had a few boosts heading into the clash with Thabiso Monyane and Miguel Timm both returning to action on Friday after short injury layoffs, while new signing Gilberto has since become available for selection.
For City, Angolan midfielder Carlinhos is sidelined after picking up a knee injury in the lead-up to the clash against the Buccaneers.
The Citizens have however further bolstered their squad, with former French youth international Amadou Soukona and ex-Moroka Swallows defender Ntsikelelo Ngqonga among the latest talents roped in during the ongoing transfer window.
Key Players
Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates): A tireless workhorse out wide, Saleng has a knack of delivering the goods in clutch moments and will be crucial for the Buccaneers across the two legs. The 26-year-old is already off the mark this season, and is fresh off another eye-catching performance in Pirates’ win over Disciples.
Jaedin Rhodes (Cape Town City): The attacking midfielder’s star rose exponentially in the previous season, as he featured in all but one of City’s fixtures. Able to operate on either wing as well as more centrally, Rhodes ended the season with goals in each of his last two appearances last season and will be determined to kick on during the early part of the ongoing campaign.
Head-to-Head
Pirates’ last MTN8 clash against Cape Town City dates back to 2020 where a lone strike from Terrence Dzvukamanja sent the Buccaneers into the last four on their way to picking up the first of their three titles claimed in the last four years. This is also the most recent cup encounter between the two sides, who boast a win apiece in their two previous meetings in knockout football.
As they head to the Mother City for the away leg, the Soweto Giants will be buoyed by their recent record against the men from the Cape having won each of their last three matches, including their most recent clash on the road.
TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The game kicks off at 19:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC Sport. You can also follow live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media platforms.
Tickets to attend the match are available online at TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.
