Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants: Preview, team news, time and where to watch

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Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants: Preview, team news, time and where to watch
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Orlando Pirates are set for Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants to be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

This will be a massive game for both teams; the Sea Robbers are chasing their second domestic trophy after the MTN8 triumph while Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are hoping to secure their first major trophy.

The game is a sold-out affair that promises to be entertaining since the stakes are high.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record

Jaisen Clifford Marumo Gallants

Enroute to the final, Orlando Pirates beat Richards Bay in the semi-final while Marumo Gallants went past Golden Arrows to set up a date with the The Buccaneers.

In the last five games across all competitions, Bucs have managed to collect five wins with a draw.

Gallants have not won any of their last five outings in all tournaments, in regulation time, and needed to beat Golden Arrows in penalties to make the last two in the Carling Knockout.

Pirates have three wins and two losses in the last five meetings with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.

What They Said

Abdeslam Ouaddou Orlando Pirates 1

“I think all the successes of all competitions have their own values. But I think this is a very important competition for us because every competition that we’re playing, our target is to win it. We know that it’s a competition, it’s a trophy that the club has been chasing for many years.

“So, it will be very interesting and enjoyable to start this competition and this game with high ambitions. I think it could be a very wonderful gift for our fans because I heard that the stadium is sold out, and it means the stadium will be fully packed,” – Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates coach.

Washington Arubi Marumo Gallants

“I love it when we are underdogs because that’s where we show character. We must try by all means to control emotions. For now I am not thinking about penalties but the 90 minutes which are going to be crucial. However, we have been practising penalties and I have a secret, but I can’t disclose it now.

“It’s going to be a difficult game for both teams, as it’s the nature of cup finals. The pressure will be there because we are playing one of the biggest teams in Africa,” – Washington Arubi, Marumo Gallants goalkeeper.

Team News and Predicted XI

Orlando Pirates are set to be without Patrick Maswanganyi who is suspended for the fixture.

“They could miss the calm influence of the injured Sihle Nduli in midfield for one more fixture, but have enough firepower in the position from the likes of the experienced Makhehleni Makhaula who is hitting his stride after racking up valuable minutes following his spell on the sidelines,” Bucs said in a statement.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi is set to play his final game as a Bucs player before leaving for Chicago Fire.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi has signed for Chicago Fire.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi has signed for Chicago Fire.

Gallants have no player suspended; coach Alexandre Lafitte dropped his key players, Washington Arubi and Mpho Chabatsane, from the matchday squad against Magesi FC last week as they were a yellow card away from suspension.

Pirates predicted XI: Chaine, Lebitso, Ndaba, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Mbatha, Nemtajela, Mofokeng, Appollis, Moremi, Makgopa

Gallants predicted XI: Arubi, Ncube, Agnikoi, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, Otladisa, Bance, Nhlapo, Mabuza, Sithole, Ndlondlo

Where to Watch

The game will be live on SuperSport TV’s PSL channel and SABC 1 from 18h00.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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