Written by @Wayde_D for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Orlando Pirates vs SuperSport United | Saturday 08 November | Orlando Stadium | 20:15
Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United will play the first Telkom Knockout Semi-Final on Saturday evening. SuperSport’s resurgence under Gordon Igesund makes this a mouth-watering encounter. However, it will also be an emotional match as the Pirates players look to honour their ex-captain, who passed away two weeks back, by going all the way to the final. Please note that the midweek PSL fixtures were yet to be played at the time of writing.
To Win (90mins)
Orlando Pirates 11/10
Draw 22/10
SuperSport United 22/10
Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates booked their spot in the semi-final by thrashing Ajax 4-1 at Orlando Stadium in what was an awkward affair due to the heavy rain conditions. An own-goal by Tashreeq Morris opened the scoring for the Buccaneers with Siyabonga Sangweni, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Oupa Manyisa completing the rout. Pirates are now in line to qualify for their sixth successive final and could possibly meet the same opposition, Platinum Stars, who beat them to the title last season. Pirates have performed well at Orlando Stadium so far this season. The Buccaneers have lost just one match at home in all competitions, winning six of their eight games and drawing just once. After missing Pirates’ last three encounters, Thabo Matlaba has resumed full training and is expected to replace Patrick Phungwayo at left-back on Saturday. Matlaba sustained an achilles tendon injury while on national duty with Bafana Bafana against Congo three weeks ago.
SuperSport United
SuperSport earned a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over Bidvest Wits in their quarter-final with goals courtesy of Dove Wome and Lebogang Manyama. Gordon Igesund has made a positive impact at Matsatsantsa since replacing Cavin Johnson. The ex-Bafana Bafana coach has guided SuperSport to five victories from six matches since joining in September.
VERDICT: Draw 22/10
These sides met in the first round of the MTN8 this season with Pirates coming out 2-1 winners at Orlando Stadium. The Pirates defence has looked solid of late and they will need to be at the top of their game here. However, they have been inconsistent going forward and could be held to a draw in 90 minutes.
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