It’s do-or-die in the MTN8 this Saturday as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns meet for Act Two of their enthralling semi-final battle.
Lucas Moripe Stadium will be the stage for the highly anticipated second leg, with the tie hanging in the balance after the 1–1 draw in Soweto last weekend.
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A sold-out crowd is expected in Atteridgeville as the two Gauteng giants prepare for what has been billed as the biggest showdown of the 2025/26 season so far. And with a place in the final at stake, neither side can afford to blink.
Sundowns hold a slight edge courtesy of their away goal at Orlando Stadium, meaning a clean sheet at home will be enough to see them through. Miguel Cardoso’s men have enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning three matches across competitions and remaining unbeaten after five outings.
Defensively, they’ve been rock solid, conceding just twice, while also netting six goals at the other end. But the Brazilians will be without one of their most influential figures after Themba Zwane picked up an injury in the first leg and is set for a spell on the sidelines.
Even without their captain, Sundowns’ depth is well documented, and Cardoso still has plenty of ammunition as he eyes his first piece of silverware since taking over last season.
The Buccaneers also head into the clash on the back of a morale-boosting midweek win after edging Stellenbosch 1–0 at Orlando Stadium. The victory was their first in the league this season and a much-needed confidence boost following back-to-back defeats earlier in the campaign.
However, their injury list continues to grow. Deano van Rooyen became the latest casualty after being stretchered off against Stellies, joining Nkosinathi Sibisi, Makhehleni Makhaula, Thabiso Sesane and Selaelo Rasebotja on the sidelines.
That blow leaves coach Abdeslam Ouaddou with another defensive puzzle to solve. Van Rooyen’s absence could see the coach turn to Tshepo Mashiloane, who was his preferred choice at right-back earlier in the season. Other options include the experienced Bandile Shandu, youngster Siyabonga Ndlozi, and versatile Thabiso Lebitso.
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There is also the intriguing possibility of Kamogelo Sebelebele being used in that role, but given his recent attacking form – scoring in back-to-back games – the technical team may opt to keep him further up the pitch to stretch the Sundowns backline.
Possible Line-Up
With key injuries forcing Ouaddou into some tough decisions, all eyes will be on the Buccaneers’ starting XI come Saturday. We’ve broken down the possible line-up tweaks – check them out in our gallery!
