MTN8: Orlando Pirates learn quarter-final opponents as PSL reveals fixtures

Orlando Pirates will begin their MTN8 title defence with a tricky match against Polokwane City with the quarter-final fixtures slated for August 2.

Pirates, who became the first team to win the MTN8 in three consecutive years last season, will be going for an unprecedented fourth trophy on the bounce under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The Buccaneers will be the first team in action when they take on Rise and Shine in the afternoon before Sekhukhune United host TS Galaxy later on the same day.

On August 3, last season’s beaten finalists Stellenbosch FC will host AmaZulu FC before Mamelodi Sundowns welcome Richards Bay later that day.

Can Abdeslam Ouaddou win the MTN8?

The MTN8 fixtures were released by the PSL on Wednesday, setting the stage for the new season, with the tournament preceding the PSL, which will kick off on August 8.

Pirates will be under pressure to retain their title as Ouaddou seeks to prove that he can match or even better his predecessor Jose Riveiro, who became popular at the club by winning five trophies.

If he manages to win the trophy, the Moroccan tactician will endear himself to the Bucs faithful as he begins to build trust with the supporters.

Meanwhile, Sundowns will also want to win the title after they were eliminated at the semi-final stage by Stellenbosch last season while AmaZulu and Richards Bay seek to make a statement.