Orlando Pirates host Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-finals at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with the Betway Premiership champions aiming to move closer to an unprecedented fifth successive title.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00, with Pirates looking to continue their remarkable recent record in the competition.
The Soweto club began its current run of MTN8 success in 2022, when Monnapule Saleng scored the only goal in a 1-0 final victory over AmaZulu. That triumph delivered Orlando Pirates’ first trophy under former manager Jose Riveiro.
Pirates retained the trophy in 2023 after beating Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties following a goalless final. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was decisive in the shootout, making three important saves.
A year later, Orlando Pirates defeated Stellenbosch FC 3-1 in the final. That victory made them the first club in the PSL era to win the MTN8 in three consecutive seasons.
The Buccaneers extended the sequence last season under Abdeslam Ouaddou, overcoming Stellenbosch FC 3-0 after extra time. Tshepang Moremi scored twice as Pirates claimed a fourth successive MTN8 crown and their 14th title in the competition overall.
Durban City arrive in Soweto hoping to prevent another milestone in Pirates’ cup history. The Nedbank Cup holders have added strength to their squad under new coach Khalil Ben Youssef and will believe they possess the quality required to challenge the defending champions.
The Citizens also have recent evidence that they can make life difficult for Orlando Pirates. The two teams played out a goalless Betway Premiership draw the last time they met.
A win on Saturday would put Orlando Pirates one step closer to a fifth consecutive MTN8 title. Durban City, meanwhile, are seeking a major quarter-final upset at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The team buses had arrived at the stadium by 13:00, while the starting line-ups were listed before kick-off.
Orlando Pirates start with Chaine in goal, behind a defence featuring captain Sibisi, Seema, Sebelebele and Ndaba. Mbatha, Dansin and Maswanganyi are included in midfield, with Appollis, Moremi and Mbuthuma leading the attack.
Pirates’ substitutes are goalkeeper Dladla, along with Kgositsile, Masilela, Zulu, Mokobodi, Mthiyane, Radiopane, Lungu and Hotto.
Durban City name Asare as their goalkeeper. Their starting line-up also includes Msomi, Mokone, Ncanana, Shandu, Poggenpoel, Sanger, Nodada, Sifumba, Sirino and Lubumba.
Durban City’s substitutes were still to be confirmed.
Match details
– Competition: MTN8 quarter-final
– Venue: Orlando Amstel Arena
– Kick-off: 15:00
– Fixture: Orlando Pirates v Durban City
