Another cup run awaits Orlando Pirates, who host Siwelele in a Carling Knockout Round of 16 fixture at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers will be aiming to head into the upcoming international break with a spot in the quarter-finals secured as they come up against the tournament debutants. However, the unpredictability of knockout football means progressing is not a guarantee, with their opponents equally eager to make their mark in the competition.
In a second cup outing in seven days at Orlando Stadium and a chance for the hosts to launch another charge towards silverware, with the visiting side offering a tricky hurdle first up.
The Opposition
Siwelele’s introduction to the top level of South African football has so far only consisted of involvement in the league with no cup fixtures yet. Their first couple of months as a top flight outfit have been somewhat of a rude awakening, with six of their nine outings ending in defeat.
Their most recent result was a rare victory at home to Bloemfontein rivals Marumo Gallants. The outcome of that derby indicates a possible turn around in fortunes, ending a seven-match winless run where they only succeeded to avoid defeat just once.
They look ahead to their first cup outing with a degree of confidence, while also boasting a capable squad littered with players who have the necessary know-how as far as navigating knockout football is concerned.
Siwelele will get another injection of experience in the form of Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic, who is available for selection after serving a red-card suspension. Meanwhile, veteran defender Nyiko Mobbie remains sidelined after picking up an injury that has kept him out of action for the past month.
Bucs Team News
While their visitors go into the clash on the back of a crucial victory, winning momentum is firmly with the home side heading into Saturday.
Pirates continued their remarkable run of victories with a 2-0 league win at home to TS Galaxy in midweek, stretching their streak to seven games in all competitions. During this period, they have clinched a fourth consecutive MTN8 title while also progressing in the CAF Champions League.
Lying ahead for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men is another attempt at embarking on a deep run in the one domestic cup competition where they have faltered over the years. They go in as favourites for many but will be wary of the threat posed by the debutants, having slipped up in similar circumstances in the previous edition of the tournament.
Changes could be made on Saturday, following a high-tempo match in midweek, with the likes of Oswin Appollis and Tshegofatso Mabasa among those that could get a longer run after producing lively cameos on Tuesday night.
Head-to-Head
Saturday’s fixture will be Siwelele’s first visit to Orlando Stadium, with the two sides also facing off in knockout football for the first time since the visitors’ recent rebrand.
Their only previous encounter – a league fixture played in Bloemfontein late last month – finished in favour of the Buccaneers, with Appollis’ 80th minute winner handing them all three points via a dramatic 1-0 victory.
TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 with SuperSport PSL and SABC 1 providing live coverage. You can also keep an eye on the action by following live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.
Tickets to attend the game are available online on OpenTickets, as well as selected outlets nationwide.
SOURCED FROM ORLANDO PIRATES WEBSITE.
