Pirates start MTN8 title defence against Polokwane City

Orlando Pirates will begin their quest for a fourth straight MTN8 title when they face Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm CAT, live on SuperSport.

CURRENT FORM

Despite heartbreak in both the Betway Premiership and Nedbank Cup last season, where the club finished second, Orlando Pirates claimed the MTN8 title for the third year in a row.

Pirates traveled to Spain for preseason where they managed a mixed-bag of results. They lost 2-0 to EFL League One side Bolton Wanderers, drew 1-1 with Cypriot side Pafos, drew 0-0 with Las Palmas and ended their tour with a 2-0 victory over Granada.

New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be looking to continue the legacy of cup success left behind by Jose Riveiro, who claimed three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup titles in his tenure as Buccaneers boss.

Polokwane City finished seventh in the Betway Premiership last season, registering 34 points from their 28 league games. This edition of the tournament will be the club’s second consecutive appearance in the competition, snatching the last MTN8 qualifying spot in the 2023/24 season, finishing eighth with 39 points from 30 games.

Rise and Shine were knocked out of the 2024 MTN8 in the first round, falling 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns after extra time and will be looking to advance deeper into the competition this year.

TEAM NEWS

The Buccaneers have added incredible depth to their squad this offseason, signing 11 players to their roster including Chippa United star Sinoxolo Kwayiba, and Polokwane City’s Oswin Appolis, who were both included in Bafana Bafana’s squad in June. Rise and Shine will hope that Appolis does not come back to haunt his former side.

Despite losing their star player in Appolis, Polokwane City have made some signings of their own. They have added Keagile Malepe, Mpho Mvundlela, Keorapetse Sebone and Moremi Seketso to their ranks, all from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Pretoria Callies.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando Pirates - Relebohile Mofokeng: Relebohile Mofokeng has firmly asserted himself as one of the country’s brightest talents. The 20-year-old scooped up the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season and MTN8 Last Man Standing awards at the recent PSL Awards and will be looking to continue his fine form this season.

Polokwane City - Lebohang Nkaki: As the heart of Polokwane City’s midfield, Lebohang Nkaki will be looking to cause problems for Pirates on Saturday. The 32-year-old registered 219 clearances, 39 interceptions and 115 duels won in the Betway Premiership last season and could help his side pass Pirates and advance to the semifinals.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (Cup competitions)

Orlando Pirates wins: 2

Polokwane City wins: 0

Draws: 0