Sundowns stand in Pirates path to fourth consecutive MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates will look to advance to a fourth consecutive MTN8 final as they travel to Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday to face Mamelodi Sundowns, with the score level going into the second leg of their semifinal encounter.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

After starting their Betway Premiership campaign with a draw against Chippa United, Sundowns claimed 2-0 victories over AmaZulu and Magesi.

They now sit second in the league standings with seven points and are one of four teams who remain unbeaten in the league.

Masandawana are the only team in the competition unbeaten across all competitions, having breezed past Richards Bay in the first round of the MTN8 with a 4-0 victory before being held to a 1-1 draw with Pirates in the first leg.

Pirates claimed their first win in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night, beating Stellenbosch 1-0 at Orlando Stadium.

The Buccaneers had lost their two previous league fixtures to Sekhukhune United (1-0) and Marumo Gallants (2-1) but moved up to 11th on the table with their first league win.

The Bucs advanced to the semifinal with a 2-0 win over Polokwane City at home in the quarterfinals, before Kamogelo Sebelebele’s 87th-minute goal in the first leg ensured that Pirates and Sundowns are level heading into the second leg of the semifinal.

Due to the away-goal rule, Pirates will need to score at least one goal on Saturday to match Sundowns’ goal scored at Orlando Stadium last weekend.

A 0-0 draw will not be enough to see the Buccaneers advance while a 1-1 draw will necessitate penalties.

If Pirates score more than one goal and the outcome is a draw, the Bucs will advance.

An outright win for either team will see the winner go through to the final.

TEAM NEWS

The Brazilians' head coach Miguel Cardoso revealed that Sundowns captain Themba Zwane will be out of action for around two months after the midfielder was stretchered off during the first leg at Orlando Stadium last weekend.

Pirates’ Deano van Rooyen was substituted off in the first half of the Bucs’ clash with Stellies on Wednesday.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that Van Rooyen will not be available for Saturday, with the club yet to determine the nature and severity of his injury.

WHAT WAS SAID

Cardoso believes the second leg, much like the first, will be a hard-fought, scrappy display.

“After we took a look at the first match, it was clear that it was not a very beautiful match of football, and I don't expect the second one to be much far away from that. The teams are more fighting rather than looking to play. It [will be] difficult to escape from the duels, difficult to escape from the physical part of the match.

“I hope that of course, we can increase the level in the second half [of the tie], in the second match and see a more beautiful football match than we saw in the first one.”

Ouaddou made his side’s objective clear at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“We finished 1-1 [in the first leg], but you know in the cup games, sometimes it's a question of mentality. We want to go to that game with a lot of ambition. I think we have the qualities to perform and we have to be ready for that game.

“We know that it will not be easy, because we don't play at home, but we will try to find resources to definitely pass through. We have a title to defend.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mamelodi Sundowns - Peter Shalulile: With his goal against Magesi on Wednesday, Shalulile has drawn level with Siyabonga Nomvethe's PSL goal-scoring record of 129 goals. Should he feature at the weekend, the seasoned striker will be hungry to make history.

Orlando Pirates - Kamogelo Sebelebele: Sebelebele has shone for Pirates since joining from TS Galaxy at the start of the season. He has netted two goals in his last two games for the Buccaneers and has showcased his versatility as both a fullback and winger. As Pirates’ hero in the first leg, he will be looking to continue his scoring streak.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (Cup results)

Mamelodi Sundowns wins: 9

Orlando Pirates wins: 12

Draws: 12

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Pirates 33 12 12 9 37 41

Sundowns 33 9 12 12 41 37