Overview
- Orlando Pirates claimed a 1-0 away win at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday with Deon Hotto scoring just before half-time to give them a first-leg edge.
- Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said the team had to be smart on Sekhukhune’s compact pitch and praised his players for keeping their principles in a tight away game.
- Pirates will be without Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha for the first leg while Tshepang Moremi was reported as a possible return option and was included in late match build-up plans.
- The two clubs meet three times in seven days with a Betway Premiership fixture scheduled for Tuesday between the first and second MTN8 legs on 29 August, forcing quick rotation and recovery choices.
- Sekhukhune arrive in the tie after a 4-3 extra-time quarter-final win and strong home form, so Pirates’ narrow lead sets up a tense second leg and will influence both teams’ short-term tactical and squad decisions.