As two sides already well acquainted with each other during the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign, Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United will now meet for the third time this season during their second-leg MTN8 semifinal clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with the latter seeking to stage an upset.
CURRENT FORM
Pirates emerged victorious in the first-leg of their MTN8 semifinal assignment and came away with a 1-0 win at the Old Peter Mokaba on 22 August.
The two sides then shook hands three days later, this time in the Betway Premiership where the Soweto giants claimed a 2-0 win at the Orlando Amstel Arena courtesy of goals from Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis.
Regarding their league positions, Pirates lead the way at the top of the Betway Premiership table with 10 points after noting three wins out of their first four ties.
Babina Noko on the other hand are in seventh spot with six points to their name, after noting two wins from their first four league assignments.
WHAT WAS SAID
Despite taking a 1-0 deficit into the next game, Sekhukhune assistant coach Paulus Masehe believes that his side can turn things around on away soil.
Masehe took charge during the second half of their recent league defeat against Pirates after head coach Cedric Kaze was shown a red card on the touchline.
“To be honest with you, in patches there were good performances that we should really focus on to try to build on towards the cup game because we have to give our all again on Saturday because we’re one goal down," Masehe said.
“There’s nothing that’s left us besides taking the game to Pirates and that would be the motivation itself and to also give ourselves a better chance to get the final and I think also second half you could see also, we tried to rest our starters so that at least they can be a little bit fresher.
"It’s a bit difficult situation, but we’re professionals we have to do this."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando Pirates: Boitumelo Radiopane – After scoring against Sekhukhune United in the league earlier this week, the young Bucs striker will no doubt hope to get his name on the scoresheet once more with the idea of impressing coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for a sustained starting berth.
Sekhukhune United: D’Angelo Kazeem – As the partner to Daniel Cardoso, Kazeem will have his hands full in the heart of the Babina Noko backline, especially in facing the talented Radiopane. While Cardoso will provide cover, Kazeem’s aggression will come in handy in offsetting the Bucs attacking rhythm.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Cup record:
Games: 3
Orlando Pirates wins: 3
Sekhukhune United wins: 0
Draws: 0
Overall:
Games: 14
Orlando Pirates wins: 8
Sekhukhune United wins: 4
Draws: 2