Orlando Pirates resume their MTN8 title defence on Saturday when they travel to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium to face Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their semi-final.
Kick-off in Polokwane is scheduled for 15:00, with the Buccaneers looking to take a positive result into the return leg.
The fixture comes during a particularly demanding period for Pirates, who are playing their third successive match away from home.
With the two sides also scheduled to meet multiple times in a short period, Saturday’s encounter could prove hugely important in determining the momentum of the tie.
Pirates looking to stay on course for another MTN8 title
Orlando Pirates have been balancing their league commitments with their cup ambitions, but their attention now switches firmly to the MTN8.
The Buccaneers reached the semi-finals after surviving a dramatic quarter-final against Durban City, with the decisive moment coming during the final stages of a 120-minute contest.
Their run means Pirates have now reached the MTN8 semi-finals for five consecutive seasons.
The defending champions will be determined to ensure their latest campaign remains on track.
However, the schedule has already taken its toll.
Pirates drew 0-0 with AmaZulu before producing a convincing victory over Chippa United, and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will need to manage his squad carefully.
Pirates will be without Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha, while Tshepang Moremi could return to contention.
Sekhukhune arrive with confidence
Sekhukhune United will have little intention of simply making up the numbers.
Babina Noko booked their place in the last four with an entertaining 4-3 victory over AmaZulu and have also made a strong start to their league campaign.
They have won two of their opening three league matches, including an impressive victory over Polokwane City in the Limpopo derby.
Their only defeat came against Kaizer Chiefs.
That response suggests Sekhukhune have the confidence required to challenge the defending champions.
They will, however, be without injured left-back Vuyo Letlapa. On-loan right-back Tshepho Mashiloane is also unavailable against his parent club.
Ouaddou and Kaze ready for the battle
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged his players to remain committed to their own style rather than becoming overly concerned with their opponents.
For Sekhukhune coach Cedric Kaze, the objective is equally straightforward: compete at their highest level and give themselves a strong platform for the second leg.
The first 90 minutes could therefore be a fascinating tactical battle between two sides with very different expectations.
Pirates have the historical edge
Orlando Pirates have enjoyed the better record in previous meetings between the clubs.
One of their most memorable encounters came in the 2022/23 Nedbank Cup final, when Pirates defeated Sekhukhune 2-1 to lift the trophy.
The Buccaneers also dominated their most recent MTN8 meeting, claiming a 5-0 victory in the quarter-finals.
Across 12 previous meetings in all competitions, Pirates have won six times, Sekhukhune have won four and two matches have ended in draws.
Pirates have also scored 15 of the 25 goals produced in those encounters.
But past results will count for little when the two sides walk onto the pitch in Polokwane.
Match details
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Match | Sekhukhune United vs Orlando Pirates |
| Competition | MTN8 semi-final – first leg |
| Date | Saturday, 22 August 2026 |
| Kick-off | 15:00 |
| Venue | Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane |
| TV | SuperSport PSL, SABC 1 |
| Second leg | To be played at Orlando Pirates’ venue |
LIVE updates
Follow this page for live score updates, team news, key moments, goals and reaction as Sekhukhune United take on Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final.
Can Sekhukhune shock the defending champions, or will Pirates take control of the tie?
Asking questions are truly fastidious thing if you are not
understanding something entirely, however this article provides good understanding yet.