Richards Bay out to end Pirates' Nedbank three-peat dream

Richards Bay will be hoping to stun defending Nedbank Cup champions Orlando Pirates when they meet in the Last 32 match at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Natal Rich Boys suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cape Town City away on 17 January and the defeat extended their winless run to three matches in the Betway Premiership having registered two defeats and one draw.

Richards Bay have never won a major trophy and they will be looking to change this by clinching this season's Nedbank Cup with their best performance in the competition coming in 2021 when they reached the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Pirates are coming into this match undefeated in their last two matches across all competitions having secured a 2-1 win over Al Ahly away in the CAF Champions League on 18 January and it was their second win in a row.

The Buccaneers are on a mission to become the first team to win three successive Nedbank Cup trophies in the PSL era, but the Soweto giants remain the only team to have won this competition three times in a row - lifting it in 1973, 1974 and 1975,

TEAM NEWS

Orlando Pirates will be without the suspended Nkosinathi Sibisi and their hosts, Richards Bay, on the other hand, have no suspension concerns.

Furthermore, Olisa Ndah, Zakhele Lepasa and Thabiso Monyane are on the Buccaneers' injury list, while the Natal Rich Boys are yet to report injuries in their camp.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel

“We are playing arguably the best team on the continent at present. But our team is well-prepared, motivated, and ready for this fixture," Gabriel said.

"This match also provides an opportunity for some of our players to gain valuable experience and showcase their talent, as this cup often presents such opportunities. We are confident going into this fixture.

"The current fixture schedule allows us to field a strong team this week. We will be putting out a competitive squad capable of challenging Orlando Pirates.”

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro

“Sunday is another opportunity to show that the team is growing. Winning is something that everyone is expecting from us – it’s nothing new,” Riveiro said.

“I am trying to put the focus on the level that the team is performing at. So, that’s my focus at the moment.

“We must switch our minds and play a final. If you want to win the final, you must play a final from the first game of this type of tournament.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Yanela Mbuthuma, Richards Bay: The hard-running striker is the Natal Rich Boys' top scorer with three goals including one in a recent game against Cape Town City and he will be determined to propel his side into the Nedbank Cup Last 16.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates: The in-form attacker has found the back of the net in four of his last five matches for the Buccaneers and he has the ability to single-handedly inspire the Bucs to a victory over the Natal Rich Boys.

Head-to-Head (since 2022/23)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

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

*Bay won on penalties

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Bay 1 0 1 0 0 0

Pirates 1 0 1 0 0 0

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

Pirates 7 3 3 1 4 1

Bay 7 1 3 3 1 4