Following a resounding 4-2 win over Royal AM in their recent DStv Premiership tie, Orlando Pirates will now shift their focus to defending their MTN8 title when they host Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Kick-off is at 6pm (SA, GMT+2)
Pirates go into the next encounter with wind in their sails, after putting four goals past Royal AM at the Orlando Stadium. The victory saw Pirates kick-start their season following a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in their opening league match.
Pirates faced Royal AM in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 last year, recording a 2-1 win in the process. En route to the final, Downs bagged a 3-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinal second leg, following a 0-0 result in the first game between the two sides.
Bucs then faced AmaZulu in the final, as Saleng’s solitary strike in the 25th minute was enough to clinch the trophy at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
As the home side for the tie, coach Jose Riveiro urged the club’s adoring fan base to flock to the Orlando Stadium in support of their team.
“As a foreigner, let’s say I’ve been around enough, but in the beginning, it was a bit surprising for me as to why there were not more (fans at Orlando Stadium),” Riveiro said.
“We have space for more. I said already after the game that they (fans attending the game) are pushing us all the way most of the time. I would really like to see the stadium more frequently sold out.
“If we want to continue growing together, it’s important that we feel that support. For me, it’s fine (when fans are not at the stadium). I am concentrating on my own stuff, but for the players, it’s very important that we feel that we play at home.”
Babina Noko head into their MTN8 clash against Pirates on the back of a 2-0 win against Cape Town Spurs in the DStv Premiership.
Coach Brandon Truter and co made sure to bounce back following their 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on the opening day of the new league season.
Now though, Babina Noko will compete in the MTN8 showpiece for the first time since their promotion to the PSL in the 2020/21 season. Reflecting on a congested schedule ahead, Truter believes that competing in various competitions will be a stern test for everyone at the club.
“The fatigue, the amount of travelling we are doing being based in Joburg and travelling to Polokwane for home games, it's madness,” Truter said after their victory against Spurs.
"It will be taxing on the boys. I've got a good backroom staff that is working around the clock to keep them fresh and to keep them injury free as well, or those with fatigue to get them back on their feet as quickly as possible.
"So I'm banking on that with our backroom staff and with our experience as well, especially the more mature boys, they manage themselves very well. It’s the younger players I'm more worried about
"For us, it’s a test, we didn’t ask for it but it's here. MTN, Black Label Cup, so many competitions to play for, so yes, it will test us as a technical team as well
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Orlando Pirates:
Zakhele Lepasa: In grabbing a brace against Royal AM on Tuesday, Lepasa has been one of Pirates' shining lights at the start of the 23/24 campaign. Along with Monnapule Saleng, Lepasa will be turned to as the reference in attack against a stubborn Sekhukhune defence.
Sekhukhune United:
Chibuike Ohizu: The hard-running forward managed to get his name on the scoresheet against Spurs earlier this week and proved why he is often one of the first names on Truter's team sheet. In facing a well-organised Bucs side, Ohizu's physicality and speed could disrupt the Pirates backline.
