Orlando Pirates remain in Durban as they kick off their Nedbank Cup campaign with a Round of 32 clash against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday.
One more domestic trophy is up for grabs for the Buccaneers, who shift their focus from league action to the pursuit of their 11th title in the National Cup. They face the ABC Motsepe League outfit, who have graced the winners’ podium once in their brief history.
While this could be seen as a fixture with clear favourites on paper, nothing is a guarantee for either side in a competition that has become synonymous with remarkable giant-killing feats over the years.
The Opposition
Tshakhuma face what is undoubtedly their sternest test so far this season as they kick off their quest for a second Nedbank Cup title. Having hoisted the coveted trophy as underdogs while a top-flight outfit in 2021, they’re faced with a steep first hurdle to scale first up as they seek to replicate their unforgettable run from five years ago.
The step up in competition, along with their opponents’ known pedigree, places them as rank underdogs ahead of the clash in Durban, while recent form further tilts the balance in terms of expectations.
Affectionately known as Vhadau Vhadamani, the men from Limpopo go into the match having endured a disappointing start in the third tier. They have managed just five points in eight matches in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League A Stream this season, with the solitary victory of their campaign dating back to November. They have failed to find the net since then while shipping eight goals in four league matches.
The change in competition could prove to be the tonic they need to turn their fortunes around. They carry some winning momentum from the Nedbank Cup preliminary rounds, where they registered victories against PJ Stars and Real Hearts which have carved their path into the Round of 32, where they will be eyeing a famous upset against the visiting Buccaneers.
Bucs Team News
Chasingtheirthird domestic title in the ongoing season, Pirates go into the game against Tshakhuma as overwhelming favourites. This is after going all the way in the MTN8 for the fourth season running, shortly before adding the Carling Knockout crown to their expansive trophy collection.
The start of another Nedbank Cup campaign now presents a chance to reclaim a prize that escaped their clutches in the dying moments of the previous edition, following back-to-back seasons as champions. They kick things off on the back of some impressive form in the league, having pulled three points clear at the top of the standings.
Pirates are currently on a run of 13 matches since their last defeat across competitions. A solid defence has been the hallmark of their success, underlined by clean sheets in each of their last eight outings.
They will have to cope without one of their defensive linchpins against Tshakhuma, with centre-back Lebone Seema ruled out through suspension after collecting his fourth yellow card of the season against AmaZulu in midweek. His one-match ban guarantees at least one change to the team that defeated Usuthu on Tuesday, while other changes could be made further up field with the likes of Sipho Mbule eyeing their first appearance of the new year.
Head-to-Head
This Nedbank Cup clash will be the first cup encounter between the two sides, who will also be locking horns for the first time in nearly five years. They have only met twice previously, with both their prior clashes coming in the 2020/21 league campaign.
Pirates were victorious away from home in their first encounter with Tshakhuma, when they completed a convincing 3-0 win through goals from Fortune Makaringe, Gabadinho Mhango and Deon Hotto. There was however not as big a gap in quality in their next fixture, which finished goalless after a punishing 90 minutes.
TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The match kicks off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. Orlando Pirates will provide live updates across the club’s official social media channels throughout the duration of the game.
Tickets are available for purchase online at OpenTickets as well as selected outlets nationwide.
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.
