Orlando Pirates will launch their quest for a historic fifth consecutive MTN8 title when they face Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
CURRENT FORM
The Buccaneers began their Betway Premiership title defence with a convincing 2-0 home win over newly-promoted Milford FC on 1 August, giving them early momentum as they prepare to begin their MTN8 title defence.
The result reinforces Pirates' status as favourites, while home advantage and superior squad quality put them in a strong position to advance deep in the tournament, and eventually clinch a record extending fifth successive MTN8 title.
City, meanwhile, started their Betway Premiership campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Sekhukhune United on 1 August and will need a more clinical performance to cause an upset against Pirates.
The reigning Nedbank Cup champions will have to stay compact defensively and maximise counter-attacking opportunities against an attack-minded Pirates side if the tournament debutants hope to progress.
TEAM NEWS
There are no suspensions for either teams, but Orlando Pirates duo Masindi Nemtajela and Kabelo Dlamini are likely to be absent as they work on their fitness, but Sebastian Pedersen could feature if he has secured a work permit.
Gaston Sirino, on the other hand, only came on as a Durban City second-half substitute against Sekhukhune United after recovering from a minor injury and limited training, and it remains to be seen if he will start against Pirates.
𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓_𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 6, 2026
🏆 #MTN8
🆚 @DurbanCity_FC
🗓️ Saturday, 8 August 2026
🏟 Orlando Amstel Arena
⏰ 15:00
🎟 https://t.co/hmChZ3lqks
💳 R100
📺 @SuperSportTV | @Official_SABC1
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/EJkfmdDHQK
WHAT WAS SAID?
Orlando Pirates Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi:
“It’s a competition we’ve become familiar with, and one we’ve enjoyed success in. We’re looking forward to facing Durban City and starting another MTN8 campaign," Sibisi said.
"Whenever we play Durban City, it’s always a game with consequences. We know the quality they have, and we’ve prepared well as a team.
“We saw what they did to us at E’sgodini last season. We were cruising, but they almost spoiled the party. That alone tells us the kind of team we’re coming up against, so we have to be switched on from the first minute.”
Durban City Captain Siphamandla Ncanana:
“What I can say is that perhaps people didn’t properly understand my words. It wasn’t that I was disrespecting Pirates or had any hatred toward them. We all know that Pirates is a big club in South African football," Ncanana said.
“Once the referee blows the whistle to start the match, it becomes 11 players v 11 players. It is no longer about Pirates or any other team. I was trying to say that we needed to be strong, not to disrespect Orlando Pirates.
“We all know Pirates is a big team in South Africa, in South African football. What I can say is that once the referee blows the whistle, it is 11 v 11. It’s not about Pirates.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates: The Bafana Bafana international grabbed a morale-boosting goal in their win over Milford FC. As a quick and skillful winger with a strong set-piece threat, he will look to torment City by stretching their deep defence, creating chances from free-kicks and forcing errors with his direct running.
Jean Lwamba, Durban City: The DR Congolese striker has scored six goals in his last eight official matches for the KZN side which puts him in prime position to exploit defensive gaps. The mobile marksman could punish Pirates by using his clinical finishing and movement to convert chances, potentially deciding the match with timely goals.