MTN8 preview: All you need to know ahead of Pirates vs Sundowns

Tomorrow's MTN8 semifinal sees Sundowns aim to extend their amazing recent record against Orlando Pirates. Here's everything you need to know about a cracking contest.

Sep 30, 2022 - 12:27
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MTN8 preview: All you need to know ahead of Pirates vs Sundowns

Tomorrow’s MTN8 semifinal sees Mamelodi Sundowns aim to extend their amazing recent record against Orlando Pirates.

The Brazilians have won the last five meetings between the sides across all competitions, scoring a whopping 14 goals in that sequence. That’s an average of 2.8 goals per game.

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MTN8 semifinal preview: Pirates vs Sundowns

Predicted XIs

Pirates (3-4-3): Ofori; Xoki, Sibisi, Maela; Shandu, Timm, Ndlondlo, Hotto; Pule, Lepasa, Makaringe

Sundowns (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Kekana, De Reuck, Ngobeni; Mbule, Jali, Mokoena; Shalulile, Zwane, Allende

MTN8
The MTN8 – as we know the cup competition today – was first contested in 1972 with the 48th edition set for its semi-finals this weekend. Photo: Backpagepix

Pirates vs Sundowns: Last five meetings (all comps)

  • Sundowns 4-1 Pirates
  • Pirates 0-2 Sundowns
  • Pirates 0-3 Sundowns
  • Sundowns 4-1 Pirates
  • Sundowns 1-0 Pirates

READ | Our MTN8 semifinal score predictions

Sundowns Pirates MTN8
Peter Shalulile of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Don’t rule out Pirates

Although Pirates have lost their last five matches against Sundowns across all competitions, the mood in the Sea Robbers camp is good at the moment. The Buccaneers actually won the last meeting between the sides in the MTN8, a 4-3 aggregate semifinal success in 2011-12. Additionally, they’ll have a home crowd roaring them on.

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Pirates vs Sundowns: Players to watch

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo will make his much-anticipated Pirates debut tomorrow and he should bring extra creative spark and guile to their midfield. It’s worth tuning in to the match for this man alone. He’s scored seven goals in the DStv Premiership this calendar year, only Peter Shalulile (16) has more in that timeframe.

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New Orlando Pirates midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
New Orlando Pirates midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo – Photo: Facebook – Orlando Pirates

It’s safe to say that Sundowns have overwhelmingly had the better of the pair’s recent meetings, with five wins from the last five. Will the Buccaneers have their day this weekend? It should be a cracker between the last two MTN8 winners.

Kickoff is at 15:30 on Saturday from Orlando Stadium.

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