Richards Bay out to stun cup-double chasing Pirates

Richards Bay will be hoping to end Orlando Pirates' cup double dream when the two sides meet in the Carling Knockout semifinal match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Natal Rich Boys are coming into this encounter undefeated in their last three matches across all competitions, having drawn 1-1 with Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, and they overcame Durban City 3-1 after extra time in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals on 25 October.

Richards Bay are in the Carling Knockout semifinals for the third year running, and it is another opportunity for the KwaZulu-Natal side to reach a major cup final for the first time. The Natal Rich Boys will also be buoyed by the fact that they eliminated Pirates the last time they faced the Soweto giants in this tournament, which was in 2023.

Meanwhile, Pirates are enjoying a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions following their 3-1 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, and they ended Magesi FC's Carling Knockout defence when they secured a 2-1 win over Dikwena Tsa Meetse on 28 October.

The Buccaneers are back in the semifinals for the first time since 2018, when this tournament was still known as the Telkom Knockout and they managed to reach the final, where they were stunned by Baroka FC. Having already won this season's MTN8 title, the Buccaneers are on a mission to win a cup double

TEAM NEWS

Richards Bay are yet to report injuries in their camp and there are no suspension concerns. However, goalkeeper Salim Magoola, who is a follower of Islam, is once again expected to miss the Carling Knockout game due to the Natal Rich Boys star's religious beliefs.

Pirates, on the other hand, will be without Selaelo Rasebotja and Thabiso Sesane due to their respective long-term injuries. Their teammates, Olisa Ndah and Makhehlene Makhaula, are also doubtful due to a lack of match fitness, but there are no suspension worries.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Richards Bay head coach Ronnie Gabriel

“Yeah, while planning for this game here, we always tap into that type of energy, that type of experience. We go back to beating Pirates in the same fixture, and this year we want to do the same thing," Gabriel said.

"The belief is there and the group is buying into it.. They understand that at this stage of a cup competition, if you put in the right energy and performance, we’ll give Pirates a run for their money. These moments are what players live for; the pressure, the crowd, the big stage.”

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou

“For me, it’s very important we prepare well for the game, analyse the opponents, and respect all the teams. I think it will be a very tough game on Saturday," Ouaddou said.

"We are in Durban, so they’ll have a certain pride about them, especially playing against a strong team. They’ll want to make sure both KZN teams are in the final; all of those factors will count in this encounter.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Frank Mhango, Richards Bay: The former Orlando Pirates marksman has hit form, having scored in back-to-back matches, and he will now be determined to haunt the Buccaneers by playing an integral role in helping the Natal Rich Boys progress to the final.

Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates: The 23-year-old frontman grabbed a brace to inspire the Buccaneers to a victory over Golden Arrows in midweek and the KZN-born player will be keen to propel Bucs to a win over another team from his home province.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (since 2022-23)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2023-24 Carling KO, qfinal Bay 0-0* Pirates

2024-25 Nedbank Cup, L32 Bay 1-3 Pirates Mbuthuma; Maswanganyi 2, Mabasa

*Bay won on penalties

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Bay 2 0 1 1 1 3

Pirates 2 1 1 0 3 1

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2022-23 Pirates 0-0 Bay

2022-23 Bay 0-2 Pirates Dzvukamanja, Saleng

2023-24 Bay 0-0 Pirates

2023-24 Pirates 0-1 Bay Barns

2024-25 Bay 0-1 Pirates Dlamini

2024-25 Pirates 1-0 Bay Makgopa

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

P W D L GF GA

Bay 8 1 3 4 2 7

Pirates 8 4 3 1 7 2