Orlando Pirates supporters are loving life and football right now. The Asiyindawo Crew from Cape Town have excitedly travelled to Gqeberha to watch the in-form Sea Robbers in the Nedbank Cup semifinals against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Orlando Pirates’ Ke Yona journey started with a 6-0 win over Crytal Lake, followed by a 4-0 win over Hungry Lions and a 4-2 win over AmaZulu. Major contributors included Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
After beating Cape Town City 2-0 in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday, the Soweto giants have travelled to the Eastern Cape for Nedbank Cup football.
NEDBANK CUP: CHIPPA UNITED VS ORLANDO PIRATES
It was just the other day when the Buccaneers won last season’s Nedbank Cup. Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukune United in the final, with Tapelo Xoki and Terrence Dzjukamanja scoring to cancel Sibusiso Vilakazi‘s opener.
That was then.
According to the Premier Soccer League and Nedbank Sport, today’s semifinal against Chippa will kick off at 15:00. The likes of Makhehleni Makhaula and Patrick Maswanganyi will be available after missing the trip to Cape Town due to suspension.
“For the Buccaneers, theoptions at coach Jose Riveiro’s disposal have been bolstered by the return of midfield pair Makhehleni Makhaula and Patrick Maswanganyi,” Orlando Pirates reported.
“Both players are again eligible for selection after missing the midweek clash against City through suspension after picking up yellow cards against Royal AM.
“Fullback Thabiso Lebitso is meanwhile ruled out of the match against his former team as he continues his recovery from an injury picked up on Sunday,” the note added.
Orlando Pirates also chose Relebohile Mofokeng as the player to watch. “Relebohile Mofokeng, the ever-improving Mofokeng continues to impress in what is his first full season with the senior team. The 19-year-old playmaker is fresh off another confident display where he chipped in with two assists to take his tally to 10 goal contributions in the current campaign,” the club added.
BUCCANEERS TRAVEL TO THE EASTERN CAPE
Any supporters travelling to Gqeberha from Cape Town? Yep.
One of the Orlando Pirates’ leading supporters from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, known as “Umnyam Lento” on X, shared some snaps as the group travelled over 800 km to Gqeberha on Friday night.
Stellenbosch FC will host Mamelodi Sundowns in the second semifinal. The game will be at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is set for 15:00.
Can Orlando Pirates win another Nedbank Cup trophy? Let us know in the comments section below.