Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is urging his players to keep up the winning momentum as they go into their Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash against SuperSport United set to be played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 15:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2)
TEAM NEWS
Orlando Pirates will be without their key defender Nkosinathi Sibisi who scored in their most recent league match due to suspension. As for Matsantsantsa, head coach Gavin Hunt will not be available in the dugout as he faces suspension as well.
CURRENT FORM
SuperSport United advanced to the last eight in the Nedbank Cup after knocking out NFD side Cape Town Spurs with a 2-1 scoreline. Following that result, Gavin Hunt’s charges defeated Kaizer Chiefs 4-1 in emphatic fashion in the Betway Premiership.
Their last match saw them play to a goalless draw against AmaZulu in the league. Prior to that, they suffered a 1-0 loss against Magesi. They are occupying 13th place in the log.
As for Orlando Pirates, they’re second in the Betway Premiership standings and have four games in hand over leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers slipped up in the race for the title by losing 2-0 to Marumo Gallants.
However, they picked themselves up and defeated Chippa United 1-0 in their most recent league match. The Sea Robbers advanced to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup after beating NFD side Baroka 3-1 in the Last 16.
WHAT WAS SAID
As aforementioned, Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro says it’s essential for his charges to keep a winning front as games are coming thick and fast.
“We are exploring a new space for all of us. The competitions are getting to a point where we don’t really have time to train anymore,” Riveiro said ahead of the clash against SSU.
“The time you spend on the (training) field with the players is not enough to make us feel satisfied as the coaches. The players are in recovery mode, not only physically, but mentally.
“Results are important right now. We are regularly winning games, so that helps a lot of the players to be ready for the next game.
“It’s difficult in this schedule if you are not getting good results. I think that’s the first element to highlight. But winning helps mentally, and to encourage the players to follow the process,” he added.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Christian Saile, SuperSport United – Currently on loan from Kaizer Chiefs, the striker has found his scoring boots under the guidance of Gavin Hunt. This crucial cup tie grants him another opportunity to strut his skills in front of goal.
Tshegofatso Mabasa, Orlando Pirates – The striker was in the spotlight in the team’s win against Baroka, scoring a memorable hat-trick in the clash. Should he be given a start, Jose Riveiro will be hoping he bangs in the goals against SSU as well.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2019/20 Pirates 2-1 SuperSport Pule, Lepasa; Fleurs
2020/21 Pirates 2-1 SuperSport Lepasa, Mabasa; Mokoena
2020/21 SuperSport 1-1 Pirates Motshwari (og); Pule
2021/22 Pirates 3-2 SuperSport Hoto 2 (2 pen), Mosele; Johannes, Lungu
2021/22 SuperSport 2-0 Pirates Makaringe (og), Lungu (pen)
2022/23 SuperSport 0-0 Pirates
2022/23 Pirates 1-0 SuperSport Xoki (pen)
2023/24 SuperSport 3-1 Pirates Campbell 2, Grobler; Makaringe
2023/24 Pirates 1-1 SuperSport Mabasa; Moralo
2024/25 Pirates 2-0 SuperSport Makgopa, Hotto