A unique challenge lies in wait for Orlando Pirates who are in Durban for Saturday’s Carling Cup fixture against the Carling All Stars.
Moses Mabhida Stadium hosts this spectacle which pits the recently crowned Carling Knockout champions against the best from the rest of the teams that competed over four rounds of the competition.
It’s an exciting spectacle that’s been a staple in the local football calendar since 2023, and a potentially thrilling closer to what has been an unforgettable year of domestic football.
Match Overview
After featuring heavily in previous All Stars outfits, the Buccaneers now line up across the divide as they look to emerge on the winners’ podium one last time before the festive season break. They face another star-studded team whose starting eleven was voted for by the public in the third edition of the exhibition match.
For this occasion, the Bucs travelling party features an exciting mix of youth and experience with a few Academy players in line for a taste of senior football. They include DDC captain Lebo Mohlala, whose utility could prove valuable, as well as teenage left-back Tshepo Mhlambi among the hopefuls for a spot in the match day squad.
There is also an opportunity for some of the first-team players to play a massive role, with Melusi Buthelezi and Siyabonga Dladla vying for a spot between the sticks while centre-back Thabiso Sesane could make a significant step towards a return to competitive action after a spell on the sidelines.
The Soweto Giants will be missing several big names out on international duty, but boast a more-than-capable squad assembled in a bid to become the first League Cup champions to knock over the All Stars.
The opposition meanwhile features an exciting mix of players plucked across the Buccaneers’ rivals. Coached by the experienced Manqoba Mngqithi, the defending Carling Cup champions will be determined to emulate the feats of their predecessors who overcame Stellenbosch and Magesi respectively in the previous editions.
Marumo Gallants midfielder Phillip Ndlondlo is a familiar face in the starting eleven, having featured for the All Stars during his stint with Pirates. He is joined by last season’s star turn Naledi Hlongwane of Kaizer Chiefs, who is paired up with Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales up front.
Pirates’ Gauteng rivals account for eight of the players that will feature from the first whistle while Siwelele’s Keabetswe Khonyane and Sekhukhune United’s Sikhosonke Langa round up the eleven.
TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The game kicks off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. Live updates will be posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.
Tickets are available for purchase online on OpenTickets as well as selected outlets nationwide.
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.
