Date, kickoff time, venue, MTN8, expected starting 11

The MTN8 resumes this weekend as holders Orlando Pirates tackle Sekhukhune United in one of the semi-finals

The Buccaneers travel to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (22 August) for the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final, before hosting Sekhukhune in the return fixture at the Orlando Amstel Arena a week later.

Kickoff for Saturday’s game is at 15:00 and the match will be televised on SABC 1 and SuperSport 2.

The Sea Robbers urged out Durban City to reach the semis while Ba Bina Noko had to dig deep to overcome AmaZulu 4-3 in the MTN8 quarter-finals.

The two teams were evenly matched last season, and with two matches to be played in a space of seven days, expect fireworks.

Here’s how Orlando Pirates can line up against Sekhukhune United in the MTN8;

Sipho Chaine is expected to start in goal, hoping to keep yet another clean sheet in the competition. Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi will once again be the heart of the defence, with Kamogelo Sebelebele playing as a right-back.

At left-back, Deon Hotto might get his second start after impressing against Chippa United this past weekend.

Orlando Pirates will have to dominate Sekhukhune in the middle of the park if they are to get a win away from home. Camren Dansin will surely start as he has shown great form this season. Thapelo Mokobodi might partner with him, having impressed on Sunday.

In the attacking areas, Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi should retain his place in the number 10 role, alongside Oswin Appollis on the right and Tshepang Moremi on the left.

Orlando Pirates face Sekhukhune in MTN8 semi-final

Despite a wave of criticism, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to field Yanela Mbuthuma upfront.

Here’s Orlando Pirates expected starting 11 against Sekhukhune: Chaine, Sebelebele, Sibisi, Seema, Hotto, Dansin, Mokobodi, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Appollis, Mbuthuma

Who should start for Pirates?