Orlando Pirates have been flying high, and their Carling Knockout clash with Siwelele FC feels like another chance to flex their form.
The Sea Robbers, fresh from lifting the MTN8 and storming through both the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League, kick off the competition at home on Saturday at 15:00 at the Orlando Stadium.
ORLANDO PIRATES KICK OFF CARLING KNOCKOUT AGAINST SIWELELE FC
But history has something for the Buccaneers. Just last season, they crashed out in the very first round, hammered 3-0 by Magesi FC inside the opening half at Orlando. Two late goals to make it 3-2 were not enough.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU’S SIDE THE TEAM TO FEAR?
This time, though, Pirates arrive with momentum that looks unstoppable. Under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, they’ve produced five straight league wins, netting 16 goals and conceding only three in nine matches. The MTN8 triumph over Stellenbosch still lingers, creating the belief that they can claim glory in another cup.
Siwelele, meanwhile, will drive into Orlando with far less confidence. Two wins, a draw, and six defeats in their first nine games have left them sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
Coach Lehlohonolo Seema’s side have managed only six goals in that stretch, though their defence has kept it relatively tight with just four conceded.
Pirates and Siwelele met in the league just last month, and it was far from easy. Siwelele’s compact midfield and defence kept Pirates at bay for most of the match, only for Oswin Appollis to snatch a dramatic 80th-minute winner. That result should give the Buccaneers confidence heading into this knockout clash, but it also shows Siwelele won’t be pushovers.
PIRATES VS SIWELELE PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Pirates: Chaine, Lebitso, Seema, Mbokazi, Hotto, Nduli, Nemtajela, Moremi, Appollis, Mofokeng, Mabasa.
Siwelele: Goss, Mfolozi, Sanoka, Khonyane, Baliti, Morale, Mokhuoane, Potsane, Pule, Lungu, Ohizu.
Date, TV and kickoff
- Date: Saturday
- Kickoff: 15:00
- Venue: Orlando Stadium
- TV: SuperSport TV, Channel 202 (live).