Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Pirates aim for back-to-back wins over Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates will welcome Sekhukhune United to the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, as the two sides meet in a crucial Betway Premiership encounter.

Also see: Mamelodi Sundowns loses on home ground against Golden Arrows

The match is scheduled for a 7pm kick-off in Soweto, with both teams meeting for the second time in just four days. The fixture comes immediately after their MTN8 semifinal first leg, which Pirates won 1-0 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. 

Orlando Stadium will provide the setting for what promises to be another competitive encounter between the Buccaneers and Babina Noko. 

Pirates carry momentum

Orlando Pirates head into the league meeting with confidence after securing a narrow first-leg advantage in the MTN8 semifinal. Deon Hotto scored in the 43rd minute to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 victory in Polokwane. 

The result extended Pirates’ unbeaten run in the MTN8 to 11 matches, according to the club, while also giving them an important advantage ahead of the return leg in Soweto on 29 August 2026. 

However, Tuesday’s match represents a different challenge. Unlike the knockout tie, the Betway Premiership fixture offers league points, meaning both sides will have to balance the need for a result with the demands of a busy schedule. 

Sekhukhune looking for a response

Sekhukhune United will be determined to respond after suffering defeat at home on Saturday. Coach Cedric Kaze has emphasised the need for greater attacking precision as his side prepares to face Pirates again. 

The Limpopo side showed during the first leg that they can compete with the defending MTN8 champions, but they were unable to convert their opportunities. A stronger attacking display will therefore be central to their hopes of taking points from Orlando Pirates. 

Also see: Orlando Pirates crowned Betway Champions 

A demanding 3-match sequence

Tuesday’s league fixture is the middle meeting in an intense three-game sequence between the clubs. After the Betway Premiership match, they will return to Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 29 August, for the second leg of their MTN8 semifinal. 

For Pirates, the immediate objective will be to maintain their league momentum while avoiding unnecessary setbacks before the decisive cup encounter. Sekhukhune, meanwhile, have an opportunity to put Saturday’s disappointment behind them and build confidence ahead of the MTN8 return leg. 

The Premier Soccer League’s match centre lists the league fixture for Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at 7.30pm at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, while Orlando Pirates’ official fixture information identifies Orlando Stadium as the venue. 

With the two teams already familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses, another tight contest is expected. 

Also see: World Cup news: Teams announce their squads 

Featured image: X

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!

Botlhale Boikanyo uses poetry to spotlight children’s dreams at Bana Pele Summit

Poet and youth advocate Botlhale Boikanyo has highlighted the importance of prioritising children’s dreams, education and opportunities after sharing her poetry at the Bana Pele Vision 2030 Leadership Summit. Also see: Botlhale Boikanyo’s mother celebrates doctorate degree The summit brought together President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and leaders from various sectors […]

Read more...

New toxicology findings raise fresh questions in Anele Tembe inquest

New toxicology findings have emerged in the inquest into the death of Anele Tembe, with a forensic analysis reportedly revealing traces of cocaine, alcohol-related substances and prescription medication in samples taken from the late 22-year-old. Also see: Anele Tembe case update: Inquest adjourned after new testimony The evidence was presented at the Cape Town Magistrates’ […]

Read more...