Orlando Pirates are back at Orlando Stadium to welcome Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Hungry Lions in the Nedbank Cup Last 16.
The Buccaneers are in high spirits after beating their old rivals, Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby last weekend. While that was a DStv Premiership encounter, Pirates are aware the task is to defend their Ke Yona title. On the part of the minnows, Hungry Lions are also gunning for a giant-killing status in South African football.
Orlando Pirates vs Hungry Lions: Match Details
Date: March 16, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM SAST
Venue: Orlando Stadium, Soweto
Pirates: Pirates On A Quest to Defend Ke Yona Title
The side coached by coach Jose Riveiro is out to successfully defend their title and will come guns blazing at home. Pirates, however, are warned by Riveiro to avoid the Soweto Derby distraction.
The 3-2 win over Chiefs could distract them and they must guard against complacency. In other matches, Pirates are fresh from a draw and a win over Polokwane City and Cape Town Spurs respectively.
Hungry Lions: Lions out to hunt Pirates in Soweto
Under the guidance of Henry Basie, based in the Northern Cape, there is no doubt that the Lions will play against their role models and heroes. The MFC side is also out to hunt for the Soweto giants’ scalp. While they are fresh from a win over JDR Stars in the previous round of the cup competition, they are aware they must not take Pirates lightly.
Pirates vs Hungry Lions: Key Battles to Watch:
Patrick Maswanganyi vs Mcebiseni Khanyi:
The young Pirates midfielder, Maswanganyi has been a revelation for Pirates and his ability to command the heart of the park will be key. The 25-year-old dribbling wizard will be tasked with unlocking the opposing defence. For Khanyi, his main role is to neutralise all the attacks initiated by the Buccaneers.
Monnapule Saleng vs Kerwin Peters:
The brace hero against Chiefs, Saleng is another weapon for Pirates heading to this Ke Yona clash. His left foot and runs on the wing will be dangerous to the visitors and crucial for the hosts. On the other hand, the energetic Peters will look to make a name for himself in the Mzansi football space.
Jose Riveiro vs Henry Basie:
Riveiro has nothing at the back of his mind than to defend their title. His managerial skills and tactical acumen will come to the fore as they look to avoid an embarrassing defeat to the Lions. Meanwhile, Basie is an unknown figure in football circles and he will look to cause an upset against the former African champions.
Orlando Pirates vs Hungry Lions Head-to-Head
Looking at the past meetings and results between the two sides, this will be the first competitive meeting between Pirates and Lions.
What Pirates Coach Riveiro Said:
“One of the problems in cup competitions, for a team like us, it’s a distraction. We want to be a good version of ourselves on Saturday.
“We need to be focused – distractions after the derby are many. A lot of people, including the media, are still talking about it.”
Fan Sentiments
Pirates fans are enjoying the bragging rights after the Soweto Derby win over Amakhosi and will expect a win over their counterparts. The cup match is capable of producing surprises and the fans must be aware of the previous result against Maluti FET College where Pirates lost 4-1 in the past few seasons.
Orlando Pirates vs Hungry Lions Match Prediction
While one can be tempted to easily predict a win for the Soweto giants, the recent result between Chiefs and Milford FC should serve as a reference point. Chiefs were booted out by minnows and Pirates should be wary of underestimating the NFD side.
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