SuperSport United will face off against Orlando Pirates in a crucial Nedbank Cup quarter-final at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Both teams are hungry for victory, with Pirates aiming for a historic third consecutive Nedbank Cup win, while SuperSport United seeks to end a six-year trophy drought.
Match Overview
- Date: Saturday, 08 March 2025
- Kick-off Time: 15:00 (SAST)
- Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
- TV Channels: SuperSport PSL, SABC Sport
- Digital Viewing: DStv Stream, SABC+, Showmax
Orlando Pirates’ Quest for History
- Mission: Pirates are aiming to become the first club to win the Nedbank Cup three times in successive seasons.
- Coach Jose Riveiro’s Legacy: Riveiro, already with two MTN8 titles in the past two seasons, is targeting his sixth trophy in just three seasons with the club.
- Key Strengths: Pirates’ squad boasts attacking firepower and a solid defensive structure, making them strong contenders for the title.
SuperSport United’s Trophy Drought
- Struggles in Cup Competitions: SuperSport last lifted silverware in 2019, and their recent form in cup competitions has been disappointing.
- Gavin Hunt’s Leadership: Despite the lack of recent success, SuperSport’s experienced coach, Gavin Hunt, will aim to rally his team and take them through to the semi-finals.
- Key Strengths: Known for their resilient defense and quick counter-attacks, SuperSport will look to exploit Pirates’ vulnerabilities.
Recent Head-to-Head Record
- 18/03/2023: Orlando Pirates 1 – 0 SuperSport United
- 23/12/2023: SuperSport United 3 – 1 Orlando Pirates
- 25/05/2024: Orlando Pirates 1 – 1 SuperSport United
- 03/08/2024: Orlando Pirates 3 – 1 SuperSport United
- 22/10/2024: Orlando Pirates 2 – 0 SuperSport United
Pirates have been dominant in recent meetings, with four wins out of the last five encounters. However, SuperSport’s victory in December 2023 suggests they are capable of upsetting the odds.
What to Expect in the Match
- Pirates’ Attack: Expect a high-tempo game from Pirates, as they aim to control possession and create scoring chances through their creative attacking play.
- SuperSport’s Defensive Approach: SuperSport will likely set up to frustrate Pirates defensively and rely on quick counter-attacks to catch them off guard.
- Key Matchups: Watch out for the battle between Pirates’ attackers and SuperSport’s defense, as well as how SuperSport’s midfield deals with Pirates’ possession-based game.
Prediction
It’s going to be a hard-fought contest, but with Orlando Pirates’ superior recent form and their determination to make history by winning their third consecutive Nedbank Cup, they will likely come out on top. However, SuperSport United will not make it easy they will fight until the final whistle.
Final Prediction: SuperSport United 1-2 Orlando Pirates
Check also: Monnapule Saleng Returns to Orlando Pirates First Team Training
Saturday’s encounter is set to be a thrilling contest with everything to play for. Pirates, with their recent form and cup-winning pedigree, are the favorites, but SuperSport United will be determined to make a statement and return to winning ways. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, it promises to be a captivating showdown in Polokwane.
Don’t miss out on the action – kick-off is at 15:00!
