Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns face off at a sold-out Orlando Stadium this afternoon in their first leg MTN8 semi-final.
In what has been touted as the two strongest squads in South African football pitted against each other, both coaches and players expressed their excitement this week in the way they spoke about the game.
However, what was clear, is that there’s mutual respect from both sides and Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is looking to make a statement with his new-look squad against the 2021/23 domestic treble champions.
While the Spaniard stated the game won’t be decided this afternoon, he stated that their poor run over the past two seasons won’t affect the psyche of the current crop of players as they go in search of early-season silverware.
Masandawana boss Manqoba Mngqithi suggested their experience of two-legged affairs in the CAF Champions League has prepared the squad to know what’s expected of them against the Soweto giants.
“We are too experienced in that space of two-legged affairs. We will give it our best shot and if we bring our A-game and the hunger, I think we will do well,” he said at Chloorkop this week.
The game kicks off this afternoon at 15h30.
Orlando Pirates XI: Ofori, Sibisi, Ndah, Maela, Mosele, Timm, Shandu, Hotto, Seleng, Ndlondlo, Lepasa.
Subs:
Mamelodi Sundowns XI:
Subs:
