Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 title defence continues this weekend when the Buccaneers face a confident Sekhukhune United side in the semi-finals — and fans will be able to watch the action live on SABC 1.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has confirmed that it will televise both MTN8 semi-final first legs, giving football fans free-to-air access to two crucial encounters.
Orlando Pirates will take on Sekhukhune United, while Mamelodi Sundowns face Golden Arrows in the other last-four clash.
Pirates face dangerous Sekhukhune
Pirates booked their place in the semi-finals after a narrow 2-1 victory over Durban City.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, produced one of the most dramatic quarter-final results, edging AmaZulu 4-3 to secure their place in the final four.
The first leg between the two sides will take place at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
The match will be broadcast live on SABC 1.
Sekhukhune targeting another upset
Sekhukhune will enter the clash believing they can cause another major upset.
Babina Noko already showed last season that they are capable of competing with Pirates, and playing the first leg at home could give them another advantage.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, meanwhile, will be looking for a result that gives his side control heading into the return fixture at Orlando Stadium.
A victory would put the Buccaneers in an excellent position, while a draw would also leave the defending champions with plenty to play for in the second leg.
Can Pirates reach another MTN8 final?
Pirates remain the team to beat in the competition.
The Buccaneers are the defending MTN8 champions and have dominated the tournament in recent seasons, winning the trophy four times in a row.
They will therefore start the semi-final as favourites, but Sekhukhune have already demonstrated that they can make life extremely difficult for the champions.
With a place in the MTN8 final at stake, the first leg promises to be a fascinating battle between Pirates’ experience and Sekhukhune’s ambition.
Can Sekhukhune shock the four-time defending champions, or will Pirates take another step towards a fifth consecutive MTN8 crown?
