Bucs look to bounce back against Sundowns
Orlando Pirates’ quest for a fourth successive MTN8 title continues as they host Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the semifinals at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Buccaneers began their season by defeating Polokwane City 2-0 at home in their MTN8 quarterfinal, but have not managed a win since.
Pirates have lost back-to-back games to start the 2025-26 Betway Premiership, falling 1-0 to Sekhukhune United before being beaten 2-1 by Marumo Gallants.
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: The last time Pirates and Sundowns met in the semi-finals of the #MTN8 in Orlando, it went like this 👇
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 14, 2025
📺 On Saturday, our coverage of this encounter starts at 14:00 (CAT)#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/zYA6Egkuyq
New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be under pressure to walk away with a win on Saturday.
Sundowns marched into the semifinals with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Richards Bay in the quarterfinals to start the season. However, they could not make it two in a row and were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United in their league opener.
Masandawana returned to winning ways on Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu and will look to extend their unbeaten streak on Saturday.
WHAT WAS SAID
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou understands Buccaneers fans’ frustrations with the team’s start to the season.
“We understand [the fans] when the club loses two games in a row, it's normal that they are not happy and we are not happy as well,” said Ouaddou following Pirates’ loss to Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.
“I know we have to react because we're a big club, we have to react very quickly to find solutions.”
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has admitted that transfer speculation surrounding Lucas Ribeiro, Peter Shalulile and Khuliso Mudau has contributed to his side’s slow start to the season.
“It’s not easy to deal with what’s happening in the team and not worry about that or not be concerned about that, or not believe it’s not impacting the team, we would be naive to think things can happen and the players don’t relate with those things,” Cardoso said following Masandawana’s win over AmaZulu on Tuesday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando Pirates - Deon Hotto: Deon Hotto has performed well to start the season, presenting an attacking threat down the left-hand side and already providing one assist this season. Hotto was nominated for the MTN8 Last Man Standing award last season, and will certainly try to make his case for the accolade again.
Mamelodi Sundowns - Iqraam Rayners: Iqraam Rayners has bagged three goals in three games to start the season. The striker looks in fine form in front of goal and will look to add to his tally come Saturday.
HEAD-TO-HEAD (Cup results)
Orlando Pirates wins: 12
Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 9
Draws: 12
CUP RECORD
P W D L GF GA
Pirates 33 12 12 9 37 41
Sundowns 33 9 12 12 41 37
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