The South African top-flight football for the 2023/24 season comes to an end this weekend when Mzansi heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns tackle the Soweto giants Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Masandawana are chasing their third title this season after securing the African Football League and the Premier Soccer League – which is their seventh in a row.
After successfully defending the MTN8 early in the season, Jose Riveiro will definitely be targeting a double by silencing their rivals on Saturday.
Sundowns Team News & Probable XI: Controversial Lorch misses out!
The 2022/23 PSL’s Player of the Year Teboho Mokoena is fit to be considered for a starting berth after a lengthened period in the sideline owing to a hamstring injury.
Thembinkosi Lorch is out of matchday squad days after stirring controversy after footage emerged of him clubbing with two women ahead of the game.
“These types of things, and I say this to you guys all the time, when it comes to players you’ll get no negative words from me; I always protect my players in the media,” coach Rhulani Mokwena told the media when asked about ‘Nyoso’.
“In a space where I’m open and honest with them, is when I close my office and I have a face-to-face conversation with them.”
Rushine de Reuck, Abdel Boutouil, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Maseko and Lucas Ribeiro remain in doubt.
Downs Probable XI: Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Mvala, Mokoena, Allende, Nku, Zwane, Matthews, Shalulile.
Pirates Probable Line-up: Xoki’s Injury Opens the Door For Sibisi to Shine
The Sea Robbers, just like Masandawana, have no player suspended which is a plus to coach Riveiro.
Tapelo Xoki, who has been a standout performer for Bucs this season, sustained a knee injury which keeps him out of contention. His absence paves way for Nkosinathi Sibisi to partner Olisa Ndah at the heart of Pirates’ defense.
Midfielder Miguel Timm might get some minutes after recovering from an injury which saw him miss the PSL game against SuperSport United last weekend.
Pirates captain Innocent Maela is optimistic his team will retain the crown, “When we play a cup final, that game is already big regardless of the opponent, but playing against the league champions means the hype is a little bit big because the fans from both sides will always talk about the match,” the defender said in a pre-match interview.
“Our focus and dedication are always the same, we will go there and focus on our plan by playing the game, not the occasion. The cup finals are always big regardless of the opponents.”
Pirates Probable XI: Chaine, Monyane, Ndah, Hotto, Makhaula, Saleng, Mbatha, Sibisi, Mofokeng, Mabasa, Maswanganyi
Head-to-Head Record: Can Bucs beat Downs again in Cup competition after PSL struggles?
This is the fourth time this season the two teams will be meeting across all competitions.
On September 20, Bucs hosted Downs at the Orlando Stadium in the Premier Soccer League assignment, a match the latter won by a solitary goal.
The second time was at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in the MTN8 final played on October 7. After a goalless draw in both regulation and extra time, the Buccaneers claimed a 3-1 win in the shootout.
The latest encounter was at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on February 17 in the league fixture that ended 1-1.
Where to Watch Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates in South Africa
In Mzansi, this game will be aired live by SuperSport’s Premier Soccer League channel 202 on Saturday from 15.00hrs SAT.
The fans can also stream live the proceedings through either the DStv Now App or DStv.com.
