Orlando Pirates look to continue MTN8 dominance over Mamelodi Sundowns

The Soweto giants head into this encounter under heavy pressure following consecutive defeats in their opening two Betway Premiership fixtures.

New Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be keen to appease the disgruntled supporters with a good result after the disappointing losses against Sekhukhune United and his former club Marumo Gallants.

"When you train such a big club the pressure is everywhere, said Ouaddou at the MTN8 press conference.

"We have to transform it into positive pressure and to give our best for our fans and our club in order to change things and to bring back the happiness and the victories to the club."

The Moroccan coach also confirmed that captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, defender Olisa Ndah and last season's PSL Midfielder of the Season Makhehleni Makhaula will miss the cup fixture due to injuries.

Meanwhile, Masandawana will be confident after their convincing 2-0 victory against AmaZulu, with club record signing Arthur Sales claiming the Man of the Match in that clash.

However, Pirates are unbeaten in their last four matches against Sundowns in all competitions, three of which were in the MTN8 tournament.

"I never look at the past I just want to write the future and live in the present in order to write the future," said Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso.

“I was not even here in South Africa for the past cup matches, it's the first time we are going to play each other in a cup match.”

The first leg will kick-off at 15h00.