Finally some good news for Orlando Pirates fans in Mzansi
The defending champions booked their spot in last four after defeating Polokwane City in the quarter-finals.
Sundowns on the other hand eased past Richards Bay FC in their last eight clash. Now, Orlando Pirates will host their rivals at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
READ MORE • Pirates academy starlet Mofokeng loaned out!
READ MORE • Sundowns superstar Thembinkosi Lorch secures next club!
Orlando Pirates head into this afternoon's fixture off the back of two consecutive losses.
The Buccaneers are desperate to find some rhythm under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
And today, Pirates fans across the country will get the chance to watch their team face rivals Mamelodi Sundowns!
Today's match will be televised live on SABC 1. You can also live stream the game for free on the SABC Plus streaming app or the SABC Sport website.
SuperSport PSL will also broadcast the match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers have suffered back-to-back defeats in their previous two matches. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be desperate to turn the corner!
And an Orlando Pirates victory over rivals Mamelodi Sundowns will undoubtedly paint a much improved picture!
READ MORE • R17.5 million Kaizer Chiefs star wanted by Bundesliga side!
Do you believe Orlando Pirates have what it takes to win their fourth consecutive MTN8 title? Will you be watching the match live at the stadium or on television?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
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IOL News
24 minutes ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns close to completing another national monologue against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg but Sebelebele rescues the day
Jayden Adams of Mamelodi Sundowns challenges Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates as teammate Dion Hotto takes over. | BackpagePix ORLANDO PIRATES (0)(1) Sebelebele 86 MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (1)(0) Mokoena 36' THIS was meant to be a national dialogue — two of the best sides in the land exchanging ideas on how they plan to reign supreme — but it almost turned out to be a monologue. Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning kings of South African football, were close to once again making a mockery of their rivals Orlando Pirates, until they conceded late. Sundowns drew 1-1 with Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but they showed exactly why they've been the dominant force. The Brazilians produced a solid and controlled performance that signaled their intent to dominate this season — despite the challenges of losing key players. This result also mounted further pressure on Pirates' new commander-in-chief, Abdeslam Ouaddou, who came into the match on the back of consecutive defeats in the Betway Premiership. Ouaddou's critics had argued that he was too quick to chop and change his side, favouring new signings instead of building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro. And in perhaps trying to respond to calls for the return of experienced players, Ouaddou handed starts to Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha for the first time this season. The duo had mixed outings — with van Rooyen sluggish and guilty of losing possession cheaply, while Mbatha did his best to dictate play in the engine room. Despite MTN being the title sponsor, this was a game of national importance, sparking conversation about the state of South African football. Fittingly, it was staged at a national institution — Orlando Stadium, the so-called 'Mecca of South African football.' Its importance was evident even among those absent, such as Kaizer Chiefs' analysts, who certainly weren't missing out on the occasion. While the bums on seats included Pirates' Ghost, Sundowns' Masandawana, hate-watchers, and neutrals, the responsibility still rested on the 22 players on the pitch. And they did not disappoint. Sundowns, the ruling party of South African football for the last eight seasons, defied hostile territory and dictated play from the outset. They dominated proceedings early, probing for a breakthrough, and forcing Pirates' defence to stay alert and resolute. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the young leader of Pirates' midfield, showed his composure against seasoned opponents, rarely buckling under pressure and winning key duels. But while the Pirates youngster thrived, his coach on the touchline cut a less convincing figure — his dress code and demeanour raising questions about his credentials. Clad in a puffer jacket and baggy pants, Ouaddou stood robotically at the touchline, only once energising the Ghost when he neatly chest-trapped the ball in the first half. In contrast, his counterpart Miguel Cardoso was smartly dressed in slim-fit pants, a fitted jacket, and crisp white sneakers, exuding confidence. And while Cardoso had bullied his rivals to claim the Coach of the Season award in his debut campaign, he is well aware of his team's struggles against Pirates in cup competitions. Still, Cardoso was unfazed — insisting he wanted to carve his own path and set new milestones. His plans took an early blow when he lost captain Themba Zwane to injury, but Sundowns' depth came to the fore. Jayden Adams entered the fray and immediately nullified the threat of Mbatha in midfield, bringing order and discipline to Sundowns' structure. Their resilience paid off when Teboho Mokoena powered home a header from a Marcello Allende corner. Masandawana supporters behind Sipho Chaine's goal erupted in euphoria, while the Ghost — who made up nearly three-quarters of the crowd — fell silent. The setback, however, seemed to awaken Pirates. The players returned from the break with renewed energy, even as Ouaddou cut a subdued, pressured figure on the sidelines. Pirates huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser. Evidence Makgopa's header rattled the crossbar from a corner before they finally struck gold. Kamogelo Sebelebe slotted home in stoppage time — just as Sundowns were beginning to taste yet another commanding victory over their closest rivals. The tie now heads into Saturday's decider with two clear approaches: Sundowns will aim to start on the front foot, while Pirates will hope to begin as strongly as they finished here.
TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- TimesLIVE
Sebelebele's late strike help Pirates hold Sundowns in MTN8 semifinal first leg
Abdeslam Ouaddou lived to see more days as Orlando Pirates coach thanks to Kamogelo Sebelebele's cool finish that gave Pirates a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal played at a sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Ouaddou avoided a third successive loss in all competitions, a situation that could have put his job on the line. The Moroccan born coach had come to this match under immense pressure after the Bucs started with two defeats in the Betway Premiership with losses against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants. Up until Sebelebele's goal, his first since joining the Bucs from TS Galaxy in July, Sundowns had looked to be cruising to victory through Teboho Mokoena's first half header. In a pulsating encounter in which Sundowns lost their skipper Themba Zwane when he pulled a muscle in the 13th minute, the game was open in both halves and Pirates could have punished the visitors had they had the ability to read their high line well. Often Pirates were caught offside when they had a chance. But when Sebelebele latched on to a pass free on the right with four minutes remaining, there was nothing that could save Sundowns as he planted his shot past an advancing Ronwen Williams who had saved his team a couple of times before then. With Ouaddou having made four changes in his starting XI, slotting in Thalente Mbatha to partner Sihle Nduli in the middle of the park; Sebelebele on the right wing in the place of Oswin Appollis, there was balance and better intent when Pirates attacked. It was, however, up-front where Ouaddou's changes made an impact as Evidence Makgopa gave the Bucs a different dimension with his ability to fetch the ball down the middle when the situation demanded. Deano Van Rooyen also stabilized Pirates on the right flank and often supported Sebelebele when they were in attack. When Sundowns took the lead it was mainly because of the Pirates defence being caught asleep when they had to defend a corner kick. They allowed Mokoena to connect with Marcelo Allende's set piece without anyone challenging him. Makgopa was particularly badly positioned when Mokoena headed in that goal because he had decided to stand on the goal line when his height could have been vital in stopping the header in the first place. Pirates started the second half better and could have equalised within the first five minutes had Hotto not shot wide when he was put through by Patrick Maswanganyi, who himself shot over the bar after being set up by Makgopa. Chaine stood between Sundowns stretching their lead when he came out to block Iqraam Rayners' shot in one of the few times that the Sundowns marksman managed to break free from the tight marking of Bucs skipper Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Sebelebele finally gets through Ronwen's door 😤☠️ 📺 Stream #MTN8 on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 16, 2025 But despite dominating possession after making all these changes, Pirates still lacked sharpness in the final third where their moves were at times easily cut out by the Sundowns defence. Makgopa got what was possibly a clear-cut chance in the 77th minute when Sundowns defender Grant Kekana trapped a back pass onto his path. The gangling striker rushed his strike which was easily saved by Williams who also had to parry Sebelebele's shot before being saved by the upright when Sipho Nduli headed unmarked. In the end Sebelebele had the last laugh as finally found the equaliser for Pirates, giving Ouaddou more time to get things right ahead of what will be another sold out blockbuster at the Lucas Moripe Stadium next Saturday. But before Saturday's match Pirates will play Stellenbosch in Orlando while Sundowns will be away to Magesi FC. Both matches will be on Wednesday.
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Sebelebele late strike earns Pirates dramatic draw against Sundowns
The game started a little bit late because Sundowns were held up in traffic. Orlando Pirates came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring for the Brazilians in the first half and Kamogelo Sebelebele grabbed the equaliser for the Buccaneers late in the second half to make sure that the teams are all square going into the second leg in Pretoria next weekend. The game started a little bit late because Sundowns were held up in traffic, but the flow of the match was not affected that much as the teams went toe-to-toe looking for goals. Both teams had the ball in the back of the net in the first 20 minutes of the match, but the goals were disallowed for offsides. TV replays showed that the Pirates goal was legitimate as Sebelebele was onside. Sundowns had to make an early change in the 14th minute when Themba Zwane failed to recover from his injury and he was replaced by Jayden Adams. Sebelebele had another chance to redeem himself in the 26th minute when he was set up by Deon Hotto, but he shot wide of goal. Sundowns dominated possession in the first half and it didn't come as a surprise when they opened the scoring through Teboho Mokoena's header from a Marcelo Allende corner kick. Things could have gotten worse for Pirates two minutes later had it not been for Sipho Chaine's heroics who denied Tashreeq Matthews from close range. The score remained 1-0in favour of Sundowns at the break. Pirates came out with guns blazing in the second half as they looked for the equaliser, but it was the visitors who almost doubled their lead, but Chaine did well to deny him in a one-on-one situation. Evidence Makgopa had a chance to grab the equaliser for Pirates in the 78th minute when he pounced on an error at the back by Sundowns, but he rushed his shot and ended up shooting straight at Ronwen Williams. Sebelebele was not to be denied a goal in the match as he grabbed the equaliser for Pirates in the 87th minute. He was found by a long ball from Mbekezeli Mbokazi and he beat Williams with a low shot to make sure that still had a chance to go through to the second leg in Pretoria.
