Fans will be treated to a Nedbank Cup preview when Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United do PSL battle this weekend.
Sekhukhune United will face Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final on May 27 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium following a 4-3 penalty victory over Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium.
Ba Bina Noko needed penalties to win after the match finished goalless in regulation time.
And of course, Pirates advanced to the final after they edged their rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at FNB Stadium.
Now, it’s time for the two finalists to compete in league duty. And some have put forward this match as as important at the Cup final.
A win for Pirates will have them near certainties to join Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League this season.
Pirates start second, a point ahead of SuperSport United. The third-place side have to play Kaizer Chiefs – a match where all three results are in play.
The visitors are gearing up for the Cup final as well as continental football next season. Something coach Brandon Truter admits his team aren’t ready for.
This semi-final win means a lot to the club since it is their first Cup final.
“Being in the Nedbank Cup final also guarantees us a spot in Africa. Sekhukhune will play in the Caf Confederation Cup.
“Next year we’ve qualified for a Caf tournament although we are not prepared for it. God qualifies the unqualified teams,” said Truter.
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Kamohelo Makotjo is running the midfield for Truter and will be key to breaking down the Pirates attack.
Thembinkosi Lorch’s injury might see him miss the rest of the season as the Pirates star continues to miss the matchday squad.
Pirates will be keen to get back to winning ways following a surprise 1-1 draw against Royal AM last week.
That said, Bucs coach Jose Riveiro opted for a much-changed side with one eye on the Nedbank Cup semi-final. He would’ve been impressed when 17-year-old debutant Relebohile Ratomo forced an own goal early in the second half.