Pirates are three meetings vs Sekhukhune without a win. I see them bucking that trend with an away victory in this first leg. I’m tipping a win to zero.
Key Stats Pirates 5 Times MTN8 Champions
- Sekhukhune United have lost 4 of their last 8 matches vs Orlando Pirates.
- Sekhukhune United have seen BTTS No in 5 of their last 6 matches.
- Orlando Pirates have won 21 of their last 28 matches.
- Orlando Pirates have kept 19 clean sheets in their last 28 matches.
Tight H2H
Orlando Pirates hold a 6-4 advantage over Sekhukhune with two draws in 12 meetings.
Sekhukhune are unbeaten in three matches vs Pirates (two wins, one draw) without conceding a goal. The last meeting was a 0-0 draw in January 2026.
Sekhukhune Doing Well under New Coach
Sekhukhune’s last 13 fixtures last season in all competitions yielded two wins. They have three wins in four matches since appointing former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze.
They beat Durban City 1-0 in the league to start this season. A 4-3 win followed at AmaZulu in the MTN8 after extra time.
Babina Noko lost 2-0 at Kaizer Chiefs with just 0.40 xG put up. They bounced back to beat Polokwane City 2-0 at home last weekend with 1.79 xG produced and just 0.30 xG conceded.
Pirates 23 Wins in Last 31 PSL Matches
Pirates are aiming for their fourth straight MTN8 Cup title. They won two domestic trophies last term and ended a 14-year league title drought thanks to 21 wins in their final 28 PSL matches.
This season began with a 2-0 home win over Milford and a 2-1 home victory vs Durban City in the MTN8. Pirates needed a goal in the 119th minute after outshooting their opponents 41-7.
They surrendered a lead in a 1-1 league draw at AmaZulu. Bucs bounced back to beat Chippa United 3-0 last Sunday as it took 60 minutes to break the deadlock.
Predicted Lineups & News
Sekhukhune United (4-2-3-1): Buthelezi; Mobbie, Cardoso, Matsimbi, Kazeem; Mkhize, Khupe; Mokhoane, Rammala, Mojela; Ndlovu.
Left back Vuyo Letlapa is out injured. On-loan Pirates right back Tsepho Mashiloane is ineligible to face his parent club.
Nigerian forward Chibuike Ohizu could make his debut. Givemore Khupe should shake off a knock to start in central midfield.
Orlando Pirates (4-2-3-1): Chaine; Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto; Dansin, Mokobodi; Appollis, Maswanganyi, Moremi; Mbuthuma.
Orlando Pirates are without central midfielders Thalente Mbatha and Sihle Nduli due to long-term injuries. Centre forward Evidence Makgopa is ruled out.
Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen may have to wait a little longer for his debut. Right back Deano Van Rooyen was released this week.