Orlando Pirates seek a fifth successive MTN8 title, but face strong opposition as they take on African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in Durban.
Sundowns have dominated South African football for most of the last decade, but Pirates have been tremendously successful in cup tournaments. Last season, they pipped Sundowns to the South African Premiership title, but the Brazilians bounced back with a second CAF Champions League trophy 10 years after their first.
Both teams have a point to prove ahead of Saturday's clash. A Sundowns win right off the back of their 2-1 Intercontinental Cup win over Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli would be a statement that they are ready to compete on all fronts.
If Abdeslam Ouaddou gets one over Miguel Cardoso in this tournament again, it could signal that Pirates are at the top to stay and ready to prove that their domestic success last season was no fluke.
Key details
Date: Saturday, October 10 at 6 p.m. CAT (5 p.m. BST, 4 p.m. GMT)
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
How to watch: The match will be available to watch on SuperSport PSL (DSTV channel 202). ESPN will provide coverage and updates on our digital platforms.
Team news
Sundowns left-back Aubrey Modiba and midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas picked up injuries on international duty with Bafana Bafana. Their recovery timelines are unclear.
For Orlando Pirates, Mohau Nkota, Gamphani Lungu, Andre de Jong, Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha trained on Monday - suggesting recent weeks may have been kinder to them than their rivals on the injury and fitness front.
Expected lineups
Orlando Pirates
GK Sipho Chaine
LB Deon Hotto | CB Lebone Seema | CB Nkosinathi Sibisi | RB Kamogelo Sebelebele
CM Masindi Nemtajela | CM Thalente Mbatha
LW Oswin Appollis | AM Gamphani Lungu | RW Tshepang Moremi
ST Yanela Mbuthuma
Mamelodi Sundowns
GK Ronwen Williams
LB Fawaaz Basadien | CB Khulumani Ndamane | CB Grant Kekana | RB Thabang Matuludi
CM Teboho Mokoena | CM Marcelo Allende | CM Nuno Santos
LW Tashreeq Matthews | ST Brayan León | RW Siyanda Ndlovu
Stats
Mamelodi Sundowns faced Orlando Pirates four times in all competitions last season. Three games were drawn in regulation time, with Sundowns winning one in the South African Premiership - but Pirates beat Sundowns on penalties after their two-legged MTN8 semi-final clash. Sundowns scored first in all four games, while Pirates scored last in all four.
Orlando Pirates have conceded only once in their seven Premiership fixtures this season, once in three MTN8 games, and once in two CAF Champions League qualifying fixtures - a total of only three goals conceded in 12 matches.