The Buccaneers take a narrow 1-0 advantage into the decisive encounter after securing victory in Polokwane last weekend. With a place in the MTN8 final on the line, both sides know there is little room for error.

For Pirates, the objective is clear: protect their advantage and keep their remarkable dominance of the competition alive. Sekhukhune, meanwhile, has 90 minutes to overturn the deficit and book what would be a major final appearance.

What happened in the first leg?

Pirates claimed a 1-0 victory at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 22 August, with Deon Hotto scoring the decisive goal before half-time.

It was not a vintage performance from the Buccaneers, but they once again showed the qualities that have made them such a formidable cup side: defensive discipline, experience and the ability to take their chances when they arrive.

The clean sheet was just as important as Hotto’s goal. Sekhukhune now have to score at least once in Soweto if they are to take the tie beyond Pirates’ current advantage.

The first leg also demonstrated how little separates the two teams. Sekhukhune competed well for long periods, but Pirates’ greater efficiency in the decisive moments ultimately proved the difference.

What is at stake?

Orlando Pirates are chasing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title and another appearance in the final. They have dominated the competition in recent seasons, winning the previous four editions, and are now one game away from extending that remarkable run.

For Sekhukhune, this represents an opportunity to knock out the defending champions and reach the final. A one-goal deficit is hardly insurmountable, particularly with the pressure shifting onto Pirates to protect their lead.

The second leg is therefore likely to be a fascinating contrast in approaches: Pirates can afford to be patient, while Sekhukhune eventually have to take risks.

Team news

Pirates will go into the second leg without Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi, who has left the club for a new challenge in Bahrain. The Soweto confirmed on 24 August that the 28-year-old attacking midfielder had completed a transfer to Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

The Buccaneers also confirmed that Tshepang Moremi missed the recent encounter after failing a late fitness test. Andre de Jong also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from injury.

Pirates have nevertheless shown encouraging squad depth, with players such as Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis making an impact in the league meeting between the teams.

Sekhukhune, meanwhile, face their own selection challenges. Earlier in the tie, coach Cedric Kaze was without full-backs Vuyo Letlapa and Tshepo Mashiloane, leaving him to find solutions in the wide defensive areas.

Those areas could once again be targeted by Pirates, particularly given the pace available in their attack.

Players to watch

Deon Hotto – Orlando Pirates

Hotto has already made the biggest contribution to this semi-final, scoring the winning goal in the first leg.

His experience could be crucial again. The Namibian is capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch, and his ability to deliver from wide areas gives Pirates another weapon when Sekhukhune sit deep.

Having already put Pirates ahead in the tie, Hotto will be one of the players Sekhukhune cannot afford to give space.

Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates

Appollis offers Pirates something different: pace, direct running and the ability to beat defenders one-on-one.

He was involved in the first-leg victory and subsequently scored against Sekhukhune in the league meeting on Tuesday. That makes him one of the players carrying significant momentum into the second leg.

If Sekhukhune are forced to push forward in search of a goal, the spaces behind their defence could give Appollis opportunities to hurt them on the counter.

Bright Ndlovu – Sekhukhune United

Sekhukhune need a goal, and Ndlovu is one of the players who can provide it.

He has already shown his scoring ability this season and was among the contributors during Sekhukhune’s 4-3 extra-time MTN8 quarter-final victory over AmaZulu.

His movement inside the box and ability to finish chances will be particularly important if Sekhukhune manage to put sustained pressure on Pirates.

Lehlogonolo Mojela – Sekhukhune United

Mojela’s pace could become increasingly important as the game develops.

Sekhukhune cannot simply dominate possession and expect to break down a disciplined Pirates defence. They may need quick transitions and runs behind the backline, areas where Mojela can cause problems.

The big question

Can Sekhukhune score first?

That is arguably the most important question of the second leg. An early Sekhukhune goal would completely change the complexion of the tie and put Pirates under pressure. But if the Buccaneers survive the opening spell and keep the score level, the pressure will increasingly shift onto the visitors.

A Pirates goal, meanwhile, would leave Sekhukhune needing two. That is why the first goal could be worth far more than just one on the scoreboard.

Verdict

Pirates enter the second leg as favourites because of their 1-0 advantage, home support and experience in this competition. But the tie is far from over.

Sekhukhune have enough attacking quality to make the Buccaneers uncomfortable, while Pirates’ recent 2-0 league victory over the same opponents should give them additional confidence.

The defending champions will know, however, that this is not the time for complacency. One Sekhukhune goal could turn the semi-final on its head.

With a place in another MTN8 final at stake, expect a tense and tactical battle in Soweto. Pirates to win or draw: bet on Bet.co.za now.