SuperSport present Pirates' first obstacle in MTN8

by Staff Reporter

Friday Aug 02, 2024. 11:25

Orlando Pirates will kick off their MTN8 title defence against SuperSport United in the quarter-finals at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, August 3 to get the new campaign underway.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

The Buccaneers have won the competition in each of the last two seasons and they’re looking to lift the trophy for the 13th time to take them within two of Kaizer Chiefs’ record of 15 title triumphs.

Jose Riveiro’s side beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on penalties in the 2023 final and they also went on to retain the Nedbank Cup which handed the Spaniard in fourth piece of silverware since taking charge of the Soweto giants in July 2022.

Pirates didn’t fare too well in the league against Matsatsantsa last term though, suffering a 3-1 defeat in Polokwane on December 23 before being held to a 1-1 draw in Soweto on the final day of the season.

SuperSport won the last of their three MTN 8 cups in 2019 and they’ve qualified for the competition every year since then, but their record has been mostly poor.

Gavin Hunt’s side were knocked out in the last eight for the last three years, losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch after extra time in the 2023 edition.