Big Match Breakdown: Orlando Pirates v Cape Town City

Two of the Premier Soccer League’s big guns will face-off on Saturday evening at corner Martha Louw Street and Mooki Street in Orlando East in a match which is expected to be lip-smacking.

Both sides always step up when they face each other and we expect the same when they meet on Saturday evening. Diski Ramble has previewed this MTN 8 match between the two sides. This will be the first time that they play against each other in the MTN 8.

Head-to-Head

This will be the 10th meeting between the two sides in all competitions since Cape Town City were reformed in 2016 by taking over the now defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces. Orlando Pirates have only checked out with a single victory against City and that came in the league during the 2017/18 season.

Three of their last four matches have resulted in high scoring draws. A total of 15 goals were scored in their last four matches.

Likely XIs

Both clubs have made a few good signings ahead of the new season but the chances of them making too many changes to their teams from last season is slim given the nature and importance of this fixture.

Thulani Hlathswayo, Deon Hotto, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Collins Makgaka, Thabang Monare and Wayde Jooste are the new faces at the institution but Hlatshwayo could be the only one who walks straight into the starting lineup this weekend.

The visitors could also hand a start to their new signing Aubrey Ngoma and Tashreeq Morris who is expected to the lead the line now that Kermit Erasmus has left the Cape Town based side.

Possible line up by Orlando Pirates;

Sandilands, Maela, Hlatshwayo, Jele ©, Mabaso, Mothswari, Makaringe, Ndlovu, Lorch, Pule, Mhango.

Possible line up by Cape Town City;

Leeuwenburgh, Martin, Mobara, Fielies, Dove, Roberts, Nodada, Mokeke, Ralani, Ngoma, Lakay.

Key Battles

Matches between these two clubs are always the same. Both teams usually press high and play on a counter. Most of the goals which have been scored in this match are either from a counter attack or crosses.

At the back, Hlatshwayo, in particular, will be eager to his worth to the “Spiritual Owners” who have called for his signing for years. He’ll need to be at his resilient best to shackle a City forward line that is very quick and plays with no fear.

Ultimately, this match could come down to which side copes more effectively with counter attacks and crosses. However, the one who has a better grenade launcher will definitely win this tie.

TTM versus SuperSport United

The other match on Saturday will see SuperSport United begin their MTN 8 title defence against Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

Tshakuma have finally announced their new signings and technical team ahead of the new season and are somewhat of a closed book given the many changes that have taken place at the club.