Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 Crown On The Line In Mamelodi Sundowns Semi-Final First Leg Clash

Orlando Pirates are eager for a change of fortunes in the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns after a poor start in the Betway Premiership.

Pirates beat Polokwane City 2-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final to set up a date with Sundowns in the last four, after the Tshwane giants thrashed Richards Bay 4-0 in their own quarter-final.

Pirates, Ouaddou Already Under Pressure

The Sea Robbers will host their rivals, the Brazilians, in the first leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, eager to win for a number of reasons.

Firstly, they want to keep alive their chances of winning a record-extending MTN8 crown for a fourth successive season.

But more importantly, Pirates can’t afford to stumble against Sundowns, as pressure has already mounted on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou after a rough start in the league.

Ouaddou’s men lost their first two league games against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, 1-0 and 2-1 respectively.

Those back-to-back defeats haven’t gone down well with some of the Ghost, who are already calling for the head of the Morocco-born coach.

Ouaddou’s critics lament that he “fixed things that weren’t broken,” as he quickly threw new players in at the deep end and sidelined some of José Riveiro’s best performers from the last three seasons.

Notable absentees from Ouaddou’s recent line-ups include Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thalente Mbatha, and Deano van Rooyen.

However, with Pirates still set to play many games this season — including on the continent — Ouaddou stressed that every member of his squad will get a chance to feature.

“It’s very important to understand the side of the club and what we want to achieve,” said Ouaddou during his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Sundowns at PSL headquarters in Parktown on Thursday.

“We have a big and talented squad. Everyone is important for the team, so everyone will get the chance to compete and show what they can contribute to the side.

“There are a lot of new players, so it is our duty to integrate them and give them a chance to perform. Definitely, everyone will be key for us.”

Ouaddou Still Sees Progress

While some fans are already breathing down his neck — and others calling for him to be sacked — Ouaddou is taking positives from the back-to-back defeats.

“Like I told you, if I had to go through my philosophy, it would be long,” Ouaddou said. “We have tried to play some speed football, with good organisation and compactness.

“We have seen some good characteristics of the team against Polokwane, Sekhukhune, and Marumo in the first half.

“There were a lot of interesting things from my players, considering the context. But if we go by the results, then we can be disappointed. I understand the fans’ frustrations.”

Ouaddou’s counterpart, Miguel Cardoso, has also blown hot and cold since the start, beating Richards Bay, drawing with Chippa United, and beating AmaZulu.

Cardoso Knows Pirates Will Be Tough Customers

But despite their desire to operate like a well-oiled machine, Cardoso says they will have to tread carefully with their expectations against a team like Pirates, especially away from home.

“If in the second match we are able to go through, then we’ll take the first result that we get [in Orlando],” Cardoso reasoned.

“We cannot say a draw will be a good or bad result before we play the match. We have to see what kind of performance we put out.

“Only after playing will we know whether we deserved a draw or not. That is our approach: understand the match and what it will demand from us.”

Other Semi-Final Action

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch could take a step closer to qualifying for their second MTN8 final in a row if they beat Sekhukhune United in the semi-final first leg at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday (6pm).

MTN8 Semi-Final Odds On Match Winner – SuperSportBet

Orlando Pirates 3.10 | Draw 3.10 | Mamelodi Sundowns 2.

Bet On Orlando Pirates Vs Mamelodi Sundowns At SuperSportBet

Place your bets now at SuperSportBet and back your team in this high-stakes MTN8 semi-final clash!