Three matches, three victories, six goals scored and none conceded. Orlando Pirates have dominated Sekhukhune United this season, but Saturday’s Carling Knockout quarter-final presents a fresh challenge as the Buccaneers look to continue their impressive run under Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The teams meet for the fourth time this season at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Saturday, 7 November, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 SAST. Pirates are chasing a place in the semi-finals; Sekhukhune want to end their losing sequence against the Soweto club.

𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒, 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒

Pirates won the first MTN8 semi-final leg 1–0, with Deon Hotto scoring, before claiming a 2–0 Betway Premiership victory through Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis. In the MTN8 return leg, Thapelo Mokobodi, Ghampani Lungu and Kamogelo Sebelebele scored in a 3–0 victory. That completed a 4–0 aggregate semi-final win.

Six goals across the three meetings, without conceding, reflect the balance between Pirates’ attacking output and their defensive discipline. But a fourth encounter, in a knockout competition, offers Sekhukhune an opportunity to rewrite the pattern.

𝐎𝐔𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐎𝐔’𝐒 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄

Under Ouaddou, Pirates have looked dangerous in transition, with mobile forwards and midfielders moving the ball quickly into attacking areas. Their wide players can stretch a defensive line while runners from deeper positions offer another route to goal.

At the other end, defensive organisation has limited opponents’ opportunities. Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine provide a platform from which the team can attack confidently. Their three clean sheets against Sekhukhune are a particularly striking example.

Pirates also enter the fixture buoyed by their recent Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs. Yet Ouaddou will know that previous results cannot guarantee progress in a one-off cup tie.

𝐙𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐒 𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑

Sekhukhune approach the quarter-final under Papi Zothwane, who succeeded Cedric Kaze. The change on the touchline adds an intriguing tactical dimension: Zothwane must find a way to resist Pirates’ fast attacks while making his own team more effective in possession and in front of goal.

Chibuike Ohizu, Bethel Muzeu and Thabang Makubo are potential threats for the visitors. All three were on the scoresheet in Sekhukhune’s 3–1 win over Richards Bay in the previous round. Taking chances when they come could be decisive.

𝐒𝐈𝐗 𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇

The club’s monthly awards statistics supplied to FWG PLUS highlight six players whose recent contributions could matter on Saturday. The figures below relate to that awards reporting period, not necessarily the full season.

Tshepang Moremi — goals and direct running

Moremi recorded five goals and nine chances created in six appearances (398 minutes). His pace and movement make him an obvious danger to a defence trying to stay compact. His brace against Milford FC in the previous round also underlined his finishing ability.

Thapelo Mokobodi — midfield creativity

Mokobodi registered two goals, two assists and 12 chances created in five matches (450 minutes). He has the passing range and forward movement to link midfield with attack, and he already knows what it takes to score against Sekhukhune.

Evidence Makgopa — penalty-area presence

Makgopa produced two goals and one assist in six appearances (228 minutes). His strength, aerial ability and movement could provide a different route through the visitors’ defence.

Simphiwe Masilela — emerging attacking talent

Masilela’s one goal, two assists and five chances created in five matches (381 minutes) show how younger players have contributed to Pirates’ attacking depth. His movement could offer Ouaddou another useful option.

Lebone Seema — defensive stability

Seema’s figures include 17 ball recoveries and a 79% defensive duel success rate across six appearances (495 minutes). His composure and individual defending will be important if Sekhukhune attempt to counterattack.

Simphiwe Selepe — control and recovery

Selepe posted 87% passing accuracy and 21 ball recoveries in six matches (463 minutes). His ability to keep possession and disrupt opposition attacks illustrates another dimension of Pirates’ balanced approach.

𝐀 𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈-𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄

Pirates are attempting to defend the Carling Knockout trophy while also competing in the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League. That demands consistency and squad depth, qualities the Buccaneers have displayed during their recent run.

Mamelodi Sundowns have already reached the semi-finals after defeating Golden Arrows 1–0. The winner at Orlando Amstel Arena will join them in the last four.

For Pirates, the challenge is to make their superiority count once more. For Sekhukhune, it is the chance to prove that a new tactical approach can produce a new result.

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒

Competition: Carling Knockout quarter-final
Fixture: Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United
Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Kick-off: 15:00 SAST
Venue: Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto

FWG PLUS | Beyond the Final Whistle