Shalulile hails Pirates’ defence as the ‘best in the PSL’

Mamelodi Sundowns hitman Peter Shalulile has singled out the Orlando Pirates’ defence as the best in the DStv Premiership.

The Namibian was speaking ahead of the MTN8 semifinal first leg clash. 

The Buccaneers will welcome the high-flying Masandawana at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 1 October. The kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 in the afternoon. 

Shalulile praised the performances shown by the Soweto giants this season, citing that they have upped their game and have quality players to challenge for some silverware.

WHAT SHALULILE SAID…

Speaking to the media in a pre-match press conference, the DStv Premiership leading goalscorer said: “Well, you know this season is a good season and competitive one. All teams are out here to win the league, survive and to be in the top eight.

“When it comes to Pirates this season, they have upped their game to such extent that you can see they have great players to be honest and ready to compete. 

“The Pirates backline is very difficult to score against. But as I have said, it won’t be easy but I believe that in each and every game we have played in this league we have managed to create chances in order to get fruitful results. 

“It is now up to us [front players] to make sure that we score goals come Saturday.”

MATCH FACTS

1. Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have long been rivals in the MTN8 competition, but this will be their first meeting in pursuit of this cup in 11 years. 

2. They have met on 11 occasions prior since 1985 – including in two finals, both of which were won by Sundowns (1992 & 2007).  

3. The Brazilians hold the edge in clashes in the competition, but only just. They have four wins to Pirates’ three, with another four games drawn. In matches at Pirates it is a different a story though with the home side leading the head-to-head 3-1 and one draw. 

4. The quarterfinals in 1990 saw Sundowns claim a 6-1 victory that for almost three decades was Pirates heaviest ever defeat until Sundowns beat them 6-0 in the league during the 2016/17 season. Incidentally, Pirates thumped Sundowns 4-0 that same season 32 years ago which is still their biggest win over The Brazilians.

5. The last time these teams met in the MTN8 was in the semifinals in the 2011/12 campaign when Pirates came out on top in a fierce tussle. They won the home leg 3-2, before the teams played to a 1-1 draw in the second game. 

6. In all matches played between the sides since 1985, Sundowns also hold the edge of 43 wins to 31 for Pirates and another 30 draws. They have outscored their opponents 139-100.

7. In all matches played at Pirates, Sundowns still hold the edge, though by a narrower margin. They have 21 wins to 17 for The Buccaneers, with only 12 of the 50 matches drawn. Sundowns lead the goals tally 68-51. 

8. The teams have met 29 times in all cup games, and Pirates actually have fared better on this score. They have 10 wins to Sundowns’ nine, with another 10 draws. They have scored 31 goals, but Sundowns have netted 40.  

9. Sundowns have had much the better of recent clashes. They have won the last four, dating back to April 2021, scoring 13 goals in the process and conceding only two. Pirates have simply not found a way to contain them of late, though the last of those clashes was all the way back in December 2021, some 10 months ago.

10. Sundowns are seeking back-to-back MTN8 final appearances after lifting the trophy last year when they beat Cape Town City on penalties. 

11. Pirates were winners in 2020 as they beat Bloemfontein Celtic in the decider, so this is a clash between the last two champions of the competition.