Sekhukhune United will try to secure a first-leg advantage over four-time defending champions Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semifinal at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. The match kicks off at 3pm CAT.

Current Form

Babina Noko’s side reached the last four with a 4-3 extra-time win over AmaZulu FC on 9 August, but their Betway Premiership form has been mixed. They lost 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs on 12 August, then bounced back with a 2-0 win against Polokwane City on 15 August. Pirates, meanwhile, advanced after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Durban City on 8 August and topped the league table with a 3-0 win over Chippa United on 16 August.

Injury Updates

Sekhukhune are missing first-choice left-back Vuyo Letlapa and on-loan Pirates right-back Tsepo Mashiloane. Pirates will be without Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha due to knee injuries, and Sihle Nduli is sidelined with a long-term injury. No suspensions are expected on either side.

Coaches' Statements

Head coach Cedric Kaze said the 2-0 win over Polokwane City was “very important” after a busy week of fixtures. He added that the team will rest and recover before the MTN8 semifinal, emphasising the need for attitude and belief.

Orlando Pirates’ head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou stressed the importance of sticking to the club’s principles. He said the team will focus on how they want to play, imbalance the opponent, build, and defend, while analysts will provide input.

Key Players to Watch

Sekhukhune’s Tshepo Mokoena, a diminutive winger, has scored three goals in four matches and earned two Man of the Match awards. He will look to use his wing play and finishing against the Buccaneers.

Pirates’ Zambian winger Ghampani Lungu has scored two goals this season, including the MTN8 quarter-final winner and the opener against Chippa United. He will aim to use his direct running and clinical finishing to trouble Sekhukhune.

Head-to-Head History

Since 2021/22, the two clubs have met in the cup and league. In the 2022/23 Nedbank Cup final, Pirates won 2-1. In the 2023/24 MTN8 quarter-final, Pirates won 5-0. The overall record in all competitions shows Pirates with 12 wins to Sekhukhune’s 12, but Pirates have scored 15 goals to Sekhukhune’s 10.

The first of a three-match trilogy between the clubs will take place at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, followed by a league clash in Soweto on 25 August and a decisive second leg back at Pirates’ home on 29 August.