Cape Town City are set to host Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal, as both teams vie for a place in the final.
The Citizens last won this trophy back in 2018 under the guidance of Benni McCarthy. They faced defeat in the finals during both the 2017/18 season and the 2020/21 campaign.
On the other hand, Pirates aim to secure their third consecutive title after winning the previous tournaments.
The Buccaneers advanced to this stage by overcoming SuperSport United with a score of 3-1 in the quarterfinals, while Cape Town City triumphed over Sekhukhune United with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Time and where to watch Live
The match will take place on Wednesday, 28 August at DHL Stadium with kickoff set for 18:00 live on SuperSport PSL (Channel 202).
Head-to-head
Ezimnyama Ngenkani triumphed over the Western Cape team in both league encounters last season, securing victories of 2-0 in both home and away matches.
The most recent occasion on which Cape Town City emerged victorious against Jose Riveiro’s men was during the first round of the 2022/23 season, where they secured a 2-1 win on their home ground.
Recent form
The Sea Robbers are coming to this match with their tails up after thumping Disciples FC 4-0 in the second leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.
They subsequently sealed the spot in the second preliminary round where they will face off with Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy.
Meanwhile, City last played an official game when they eliminated Babina Noko in this competition.
What did the coaches say?
City head coach Eric Tinkler says they are aware of Pirates’ strengths, however, he also believes his side can exploit opponents’ frailties.
He feels the Buccaneers’ failure to beat Disciples in the first leg of Champions League shows they have weaknesses.
“They have so many qualities, they have a massive squad to choose from,” said Tinkler during the MTN semi-final pre-match press conference on Thursday last week.
“Their preparations have been exceptional, obviously being able to go to Spain and play against the type of oppositions they played.
“But at the same time we saw them drawing away against the team from Madagascar. So, they do have frailties.
“So, we’ve got to go out there, we’ve got to have a full belief in ourselves.
Meanwhile, Riveiro is delighted with his troops’ performances, saying it gives them an opportunity to defend the title once again.
“The boys are performing well. They’ve done well to secure the results that have put us back into the semifinals, giving us another chance to compete for another title, which is our primary objective,” said Riveiro.
Starting Line-ups XI
Cape Town City XI: Keet, Mkhize, Cupido, Petrus, Nyama, Darwin, Rhodes, Mokotjo, Domingo, Makaringe, Tjiueza
CT City Subs: Oliaro, Fisher, Sereetsi, Francis, AH Shene Amato, Ziba, Slatsha, Goedeman
Orlando Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Ndah, Monyane, Hotto, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Dlamini, Saleng, Mabasa, Mofokeng
Pirates Subs: Buthelezi, Rasebotja, Kimvuidi, Maela, Makgopa, Gilberto, Makhaula, Sibisi, Timm.
