Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns: MTN8 semi-final kick-off time, where and when to watch
- Orlando Stadium hosts a high-stakes MTN8 semi-final today as Orlando Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns at 3 pm
- Pirates enter under pressure after two straight league defeats, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou facing scrutiny
- Football journalist Vincent Maseko told Briefly News in an exclusive interview that Pirates are “cup kings” and will rise for the semi-final
Orlando Stadium is set to explode into a battlefield come 3 pm today in what promises to be a mouth-watering MTN8 semi-finals clash pitting Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns against the defending MTN8 winners, Orlando Pirates.
The Buccaneers will be coming into this game under intense pressure after a woeful start to their Premiership campaign that has seen them lose their opening two games.
Something that has placed the head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, under fire. As he approached the game, he said that he was well aware of the pressure at hand.
Source: Instagram
He admitted that pressure is inevitable when managing a big club, but insisted it must be turned into something positive to give the best to fans and restore the team’s winning ways. The former Fulham centre-back has come under criticism for making sweeping changes to his line-ups.
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Briefly News had an exclusive interview with football journalist Vincent Maseko, who argued that Pirates are the cup kings, and this Saturday, a different team will turn up.
“Two weeks ago, Pirates looked convincing when they beat Polokwane City 2-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final,” Maseko pointed out.
“That was Ouaddou’s first competitive game in charge, and it showed what this team can do. Yes, they have since lost two league games, but knockout football is a different stage. History tells us Pirates come alive in cup competitions.”
Maseko added that the clash against Sundowns comes at a crucial moment for the Soweto giants.
“This semi-final is the perfect opportunity for Ouaddou to win the supporters back,” he said.
“Beating Sundowns, even over two legs, would change the entire mood around the club. Pirates know that lifting the MTN8 again would make a statement that they are still contenders.”
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Sundowns, meanwhile, reached the semi-final after brushing aside Richards Bay with a 4-0 win. They remain the benchmark in South African football, although Maseko believes they have not quite looked as sharp as they did at their peak last season.
“Sundowns are still the strongest side in the country, but they are not as polished as they were last year,” he explained.
“Some players face uncertain futures, and they are still recovering from a long season where they played in the CAF Champions League final and the FIFA Club World Cup. That kind of schedule takes a toll.”
He also highlighted individual threats that could tip the balance of the game.
“Arthur Sales is in form right now and could be decisive for Sundowns,” Maseko observed.
“And of course, Pirates will remember what Lucas Ribeiro Costa did to them last season. Sundowns always have game changers, but so do Pirates. New signing Oswin Appolis and Evidence Makgopa will want to prove themselves in front of a packed Orlando Stadium.”
For Maseko, the fixture is about much more than just form.
“The last three seasons tell the story,” he said.
“Sundowns dominate the league, but Pirates find joy in the MTN8. Both clubs want to prove a point, and that’s why this clash is so important. Pirates want to defend their crown, Sundowns want to underline their supremacy. It’s going to be a battle of mentality as much as tactics.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 3 pm at Orlando Stadium, where the football fraternity awaits what promises to be a fiery semi-final showdown between two of South Africa’s most decorated clubs. It will be broadcast live on Supersport PSL and on SABC 1.
Thembinkosi Lorch leaves Mamelodi Sundowns
Briefly News previously reported that Mamelodi Sundowns have officially confirmed the permanent transfer of star winger Thembinkosi Lorch to Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, following the expiry of his loan deal.
Lorch, who joined the Betway Premiership champions from Orlando Pirates two years ago, struggled for game time under coach Miguel Cardoso.
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Source: Briefly News
