Orlando Pirates are chasing their third Nedbank Cup title this weekend when they play SuperSport United in the quarter-final outing.
Bucs have won the last two editions and would be aiming at making it three in a row like they did in the MTN8.
The Swanky Boys have been struggling in the league and the game on Saturday at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium will be a chance for them to advance to the last four of the annual competition.
Current Form and Head-to-Head Record
In the Premier Soccer League, things have not been working seamlessly for the Gavin Hunt-led team. They have been blowing hot and cold explaining why they are currently sitting 13th on the table with just 21 points from the 20 matches played.
In the last five games across all competitions, the Swanky Boys have managed a single win in regulation time, three draws, and a loss.
After a good start to the season that saw Pirates win 11 league games in a row, things have slowed time a little-bit. The Sea Robbers have become inconsistent owing to what some feel is fatigue.
Bucs have won three and lost two of the last five outings across all competitions.
In the head-to-head record, this will be the third time the two teams are meeting this season. The first one was in the MTN8 where the Buccaneers needed extra time to win 3-1 and advance. In the PSL, the Soweto giants won 2-0 meaning SuperSport will be hoping to avenge the losses.
What They Said
“It’s good to be in the quarterfinals of this competition for the third time in a row. We’re trying to be ready knowing that it’s going to be a tough game. First of all, because of the place where the game it’s going to be played. Secondly because of the opponents that we’re going to face this time around,” coach Jose Riveiro said ahead of the game.
“It’s a knockout game and there are only two possible results there. Therefore, the intention is clear from both teams and that is to be the better team and to go through to the semifinals. Looking at all these things that I have mentioned, it’s promising to be a very good game.”
SuperSport assistant coach Andre Arendse is convinced on-loan attacker Christian Saile will be a factor for the club after scoring three times already since his move from Kaizer Chiefs.
“What we’ve discovered is that he bounces of confidence, and if you show belief in a player like that he’s ready and willing to give you his all,” he stated.
“He’s going through a little but of an up-and-down performance-wise at the moment, the job that we have a ahead of us is to get him into a consistent mode. Once we do that, I think he’s a striker that is going to fire on all cylinders. And I think if he continues like that, with a good attitude, a good mindset, a positive one, than I think he’s got way more goals to come by the end of the season.”
Team News and Starting XI
SuperSport United are set to miss coach Gavin Hunt for the second game in a row owing to suspension. His assistant Arendse will be at the touchline.
However, no new injuries have been reported by the club ahead of the crucial Cup game at the Old Peter Mokhaba Stadium.
Pirates welcome back their goalkeeper Sipho Chaine who missed the league win over Chippa United due to suspension. But defender Nkosinathi Sibisi is out owing to the same reason. Patrick Maswanganyi is a doubt while Miguel Timm is out owing to injuries.
However, Olisa Ndah might make his long-awaited return from injury.
SuperSport Probable XI: Goss, Lakay, Mobbie, Okon, Maboe, Ndlovu, poggenpoel, Ndebele, Nurkovic, Lungu, Saile
Pirates Probable XI: Chaine, Hotto, Mbokazi, Hotto, Van Rooyen, Makhaula, Ndlondlo, Mbatha, Nkota, Mabasa, Mofokeng
Where to Watch
The game will be live on SuperSport's Premier Soccer League channel from 15.00h.
