Rivalries are set to be renewed in the MTN8 when Orlando Pirates face Sekhukhune United in the semifinals of the 2026/27 edition of the prestigious competition.
The two Premiership rivals were drawn against one another in the semifinal draw on Sunday following a weekend of thrilling quarter-final action, where both had made it through to the final four.
It took the Sea Robbers exactly 120 minutes to ensure that they advanced into the last four of the competition. Gamphani Lungu’s maiden Bucs goal came in the last action of their quarter-final against Durban City and prevented the lottery of a penalty shootout as his side’s title defence survived another day in dramatic fashion.
Next up on the Buccaneers radar is a clash against Babina Noko, who had advanced in similar circumstances. They prevailed in a seven-goal thriller against AmaZulu, netting the winner in extra time to win 4-3 and secure their spot in the semis.
Sunday’s draw set up the showdown between the Soweto Giants and the Limpopo outfit, the first MTN8 clash between the two sides since the 2023 edition. It was the Buccaneers who prevailed on that occasion, netting five unanswered goals to progress past the quarter-finals en route to the first of three consecutive title defences in the tournament. It was also only the second cup meeting between the two sides, who had contested a tight Nedbank Cup final won by the same team just months prior.
Now just over three years later and a slew of unpredictable league clashes since, Pirates and Sekhukhune are set to lock horns in a two-legged tie which will determine which of the two gets to contest the final.
The first leg is set to take place away from home for the Buccaneers, who will be visiting their semifinal opponents in the first leg before the deciding leg in Soweto. Actual match venues, kick-off times and match dates will be confirmed by the League at a later date.
