Pirates face off against City in MTN8 semis

In a bid to secure the title once again, Orlando Pirates are set to play against Cape Town City in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday evening. Kick-off is at 19h00 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

For Pirates, the team is defending the MTN8 title but also have the chance to make history by becoming the first side to win the tournament three times in a row. The Sea Robbers dispatched SuperSport United 3-1 in the quarterfinals to make it to this stage.

As for City, the team won the title back in 2018 and they saw off Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the quarters, courtesy of an 88th minute penalty scored by Darwin Gonzalez. The victory wasn’t all that convincing, so there’s work to do for the Citizens if they’d like to advance further.

WHAT WAS SAID

Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro has stated that it’s a bit of a strange time for the team as the league hasn’t started yet but they’ve found themselves playing a few crucial matches.

“It's an opportunity for us to become more mature. It's one of the things we can do better as a group — we cannot hide ourselves right now because every football fan is watching us right as no-one else is playing,” he said.

Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler says he doesn’t need to do much to motivate his players to take on the Sea Robbers in this MTN8 semi-final clash.

"The players are obviously aware of the qualities that Pirates possess. They are aware of the status in our country in terms of Orlando Pirates, so they go into this game with lots of self-motivation already. I don’t need to motivate them," said Tinkler.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates - The youngster made a statement in the PSL last season with his speed and attacking ability, and should he start the Bucs will look to him for goals and assists as they take on the Citizens.

Fortune Makaringe, Cape Town City - Formerly a Pirates player, Makaringe joined City during this transfer window, and it will be a test to see how he fares against his former employers in this fixture.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

(since 2016/17)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2017/18 Nedbank Cup, last 16 City 1-0 Pirates Patosi

2020/21 MTN8, quarterfinal Pirates 1-0 City Dzvukamanja