Having played to a draw when they recently faced each other, the adrenaline will be pumping when these two teams cross the white lines once again to battle it out to be crowned 2023 Nedbank Cup Champions.
Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United
Nedbank Cup Final
Saturday 27 May – 18:00
Loftus Versfeld
It is almost a full season since little-known Spaniard Jose Riveiro ascended to the prestigious seat of Orlando Pirates coach. Those who doubted his qualities are currently stuffing their mouths with humble pie.
Under the guidance of Riveiro, who joined the club on a three-year deal in June 2022, the Buccaneers have already secured the MTN8 title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AmaZulu earlier this season.
If Riveiro manages to clinch the Nedbank Cup, it’ll be the team’s most fruitful season in more than a decade. It will also put paid to questions on his credentials and coaching ability – although he has already done enough to prove that he is more than worthy of the Pirates hot seat.
The Pirates project looks to be an exciting one and the Pirates faithful can look forward to what lies ahead of them. Pirates have been in great form since losing to Chiefs in the league at the end of February thanks to the resilience they have shown as a team and are looking to land their ninth Nedbank Cup trophy to date after coming runners-up in 2017 to SuperSport United.
Monnapule Saleng has been the standout performer for Pirates this season with 14 goals in 30 matches across all competitions, while Miguel Timm has played the defensive midfield role in spectacular fashion.
Terrence Dzvukamanja has also chipped in with some important goals for the Buccaneers and not forgetting the return of Thembinkosi Lorch which just motivated the squad to push more with his enthusiasm and creativity he brings to the squad.
The harmonious environment and unity building within the club has been key to the success the players find themselves in and will not be intimidated by Sekhukhune but will be determined to put them to the sword and come away with the win to secure the double for the season.
To Win Match
Orlando Pirates 11/20 | Draw 5/2 | Sekhukhune United 5/1
The appointment of Brandon Truter in November 2022 has been the turnaround for the club. When he took charge from Kaitano Tembo, the team was going through a rough patch, sitting 15th on the log. Truter has made huge progress since then with Babina Noko in good form in their recent matches in both the DStv Premiership and the Nedbank Cup.
In their second season after gaining promotion to the DStv Premiership, Sekhukhune United will compete for a major trophy that could potentially see Truter go down in the history books with the club if he could pull off an upset and be crowned champions of the Nedbank Cup for the first time in the club’s history.
Sekhukhune will be working hard on the training ground, mostly on penetrative transition play. Game management will be key for Truter and his men, adsorbing pressure and reserving energy in order to be aggressive on the counter-attack. The defence must stay locked in and focused to limit the Sea Robber’s from creating any scoring opportunities.
Truter will send his team out to play without fear and express themselves on the biggest stage. Chibuike Ohizu has been the talisman for Sekhukhune this campaign and the 26-year-old will be the man to upset the Pirates defence with the help from Victor Letsoalo, Pogiso Mahlangu and the experienced Sibusiso Vilakazi, who is no stranger to winning trophies.
It has been an interesting journey to this point for Truter and now one game away from making history with the club. The reward will be welcomed with open arms after the hard work they put in throughout the season, and it’s “now or never” for Babina Noko.
Verdict: Orlando Pirates Win (11/20)
Looking at these two teams and how far they have come to reach this final, I feel Pirates will prove too strong. Sekhukhune will try to make life difficult for Jose Riveiro’s team, but the Buccaneers are tipped to oust their opponents.
