Orlando Pirates take on Richards Bay this weekend at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the semi-final of the Carling Knockout Cup.
With rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs out of the competition, it gives the Buccaneers a great opportunity to win their second trophy of the season.
In September, Pirates claimed their fourth consecutive MTN8 trophy after hammering Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in the final. With over 10 semi-final appearances in the past four years across all competitions, the Sea Robbers are a team to beat in cup competition.
When do Orlando Pirates play Richards Bay?
The anticipated semi-final match will be played on Saturday (08 November) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match will be live on SABC 1 and SuperSport channels, and kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.
The Buccaneers are the favourites going into the match; however, Richards Bay will look to cause an upset. The Natal Rich Boys have beaten the Buccaneers before and will look for another inspired performance at home.
Bafana head coach Hugo Broos hoped Pirates lost to Richards Bay to have a full and fit Bafana squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He selected at least nine players from the Bucs in his 23-man Bafana squad to face Zambia.
“Last AFCON was even worse, they played on the 31st of December and we started preparations on the 4th of January or something like that,” Broos said.
“We don’t have much collaboration from PSL to stop all those things a little bit earlier.
“I asked now to stop the competition (Carling KO) on the 4th of December but no, they have to play that final on the 6th. So, I am very happy. I’m sorry to say this, but I am happy that Sundowns are out and that Chiefs are out. I hope maybe that Pirates can be out so the guys can have a bit of rest,” Broos said.
Here’s Orlando Pirates predicted starting XI to face Richards Bay: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Ndaba, Mbatha, Mofokeng, Nemtajela, Appollis, Moremi, Makgopa.