Orlando Pirates begin MTN8 title defence against Durban City

The Buccaneers defeated Stellenbosch 3-0 in the top eight showpiece match before securing a historic treble, including the Betway Premiership and Carling Knockout as at City overcame TS Galaxy 2-1 for their first top-flight trophy.

Abdeslam Ouaddou's side kicked off their new season with a relatively comfortable 2-0 win over newly promoted Milford as Khalil Ben Youssef's charges went down 1-0 to Sekhukhune United.

Ben Youssef replaced Pitso Dladla in the Durban City hotseat this season and lost his first game against former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze.

Both teams have strengthened heavily for the current campaign with Bucs signings eight players and City adding no less than ten new players to their squad.

Speaking ahead of the game, Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi said the new players are gelling very well with the team.

"Yes, we have a lot of signings, a lot of young players. I think you can see the direction the team is going, trying to refresh the squad as much as possible," Sibisi said on IOL.

"I think we need that energy going forward since there are many competitions that we are playing. I think we are playing five or six competitions this season.

“We will need everyone because in previous seasons we've seen that it is not the guys who start that finish the season. Sometimes it is the guys who start in the stands that finish the season. So everyone is important at the club.”

Bucs' new signings include Sebastian Pedersen, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sihle Nduli, Sbangani Zulu, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Kabelo Kgositsile, Bohlale Ngwato and Ghampani Lungu.

"The atmosphere inside the camp is very positive, the hospitality of old players to the new ones has been very good and we have a very good squad. There is a brotherhood and they help the new players," Ben Youssef said in the Sowetan.

"I was happy with the performance of the players against Sekhukhune United. I know the results were not good, but it was the first match and there is still a lot to play and the results will come."

City's new players include Gaston Sirino, Tashreeq Morris, Bandile Shandu, Seth Green, Junior Papier, Kabelo Mofokeng, Lifa Makua, Siya Msomi, John Mokone and Tylo Sanger.