The 2024/25 South African football season kicks off with a bang as defending MTN8 champions Orlando Pirates host Supersport United in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash on Saturday, 03 August 2024. Orlando Stadium will be the battleground where these two giants collide, with the Buccaneers aiming to start their title defence on a winning note.

Orlando Pirates: A Season of High Expectations

The Buccaneers enter the new season with the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Having secured back-to-back MTN8 titles, they are eager to achieve a historic three-peat. The pre-season has been a mixed bag for Pirates, with two draws, a win, and a loss. However, they have the advantage of playing at home and will be looking to leverage the electric atmosphere at Orlando Stadium to propel them to victory.

Jose Riveiro’s men will be relying on the experience of key players like captain Innocent Maela and the creative flair of Monnapule Saleng. The addition of new signing Gilberto is expected to bolster the midfield, while the attacking duo of Tshegofatso Mabasa and Thabiso Lebitso will be aiming to find their scoring boots early in the season.

Supersport United: New Faces, Renewed Ambition

Supersport United have undergone a transformation during the off-season, with Gavin Hunt taking charge of the team. They have made some shrewd signings, including former Pirates player, Vincent Pule and Nyiko Mobbie, who will bring added firepower and creativity to the squad. Bradley Grobler’s goal-scoring prowess will be crucial, while Grant Margeman’s experience will be vital in midfield.

Matsatsantsa enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign, winning all three of their matches in Botswana. Their confidence is high, and they will be eager to prove that they can compete with the best in the country.

Orlando Pirates vs. SuperSport United Predicted Lineups:

Orlando Pirates (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Bandile Shandu, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Innocent Maela (C), Thabiso Monyane
Midfielders: Miguel Timm, Patrick Maswanganyi
Attacking Midfielders: Monnapule Saleng, Katlego Otladisa, Kabelo Dlamini
Striker: Tshegofatsho Mabasa

Supersport United (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Thulani Hlatshwayo (C), Pogiso Sanoka, Bilal Baloyi, Neo Rapoo
Midfielders: Grant Margeman, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Yandisa Mfolozi
Forwards: Terrence Dzvukamanja, Bradley Grobler, Tendamudzimu Matodzi

MTN8 Quarter-finals: Recent Head-to-Head

The recent history between these two sides paints a picture of close contests:

March 2024 (DStv Premiership): Orlando Pirates 1 – 1 Supersport United
August 2023 (MTN8 Quarterfinal): Orlando Pirates 2 – 0 Supersport United
April 2023 (DStv Premiership): Supersport United 2 – 1 Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates vs. SuperSport United Prediction:

This promises to be a tightly contested encounter. Orlando Pirates have the home advantage and the experience of winning this competition in recent years. However, Supersport United are a team full of surprises. While a narrow victory for Orlando Pirates seems most likely, Supersport United have the potential to cause an upset, particularly if they can exploit Pirates’ defensive vulnerabilities on the counter-attack.

Score Prediction: Orlando Pirates 2 – 1 Supersport United

Kick-Off: Orlando Stadium, Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, 18:00