The Nedbank Cup semifinal promises an exciting clash between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants, with a coveted final spot at stake.
Their previous league meetings have been thrilling affairs. While Orlando Pirates are tipped to win, considering their team and recent form, Marumo Gallants' cup history suggests they could spring a surprise.
RECENT FORM & HEAD-TO-HEAD
The last time the two teams met, Gallants humbled the Buccaneers winning 2-0 in the league clash that was held at the Toyota Free Stadium on 1 March.
Gabadinho Mhango haunted his former side, Pirates scoring an opener while the other one was an own goal from Thalente Mbatha.
Meanwhile, in the first round, Ezimnyama Ngenkani had hammered the Bloemfontein-based side 8-1 in a match that was held at Orlando Stadium.
WHAT THEY SAID
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is confident that his team's proven cup pedigree will secure them a place in the final against Gallants.
“It’s a new story on Sunday … it’s a knockout game and it’s a game of consequence with only two possible results. In the other two games that we played [against Marumo in the league], there were three possible results, so this is a different story with a possibility to go to another final,” Riveiro said.
“We have a decent experience already in this type of competition, and again, we will try to recover as well as possible in a short space of time to prepare for the game as well as we can, and do our best to be in another final.”
Gallants head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes all the teams are equal at this stage of the competition.
“When all teams arrive in the semi-finals, there are no more small teams. So everybody has to respect all the teams,” added Ouaddou.
“[Orlando Pirates is] one of the best clubs, not only in South Africa but on the continent. It’s a big challenge for us. We know that we had a great performance a few weeks ago [against Pirates]. But it’s another game. So we are prepared for that. Like I said, we will go there with the ambition to go through.”
PROBABLE STARTING XI’s
Pirates:
Chaine, Van Rooyen, Xoki, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Mbatha, Mofokeng, Makhaula, Nkota, Makgopa, Hotto
SUBS: Buthelezi, Mabasa, Maela, Mako, Maswanganyi, Ndlondlo, Radiopane, Rasebotja, Shandu
Gallants:
Akpeyi, Ncube, Rikhotso, Mathiane, Mabotja, Mahlatsi, Nhlapo, Nemtajela, Mpambaniso, Msendami, Zindonga
SUBS: Arubi, Chabatsane, Manaka, Mokobodi, Morgan, Ndlovu, Nthatheni, Shai, Wagaba
WHERE TO WATCH, VENUE & KICKOFF TIME
The game will take place on Sunday, 13 April at Orlando Stadium and will be live on SuperSport's PSL channel 202 and SABC1 on Sunday from 15:00 SAT.
