Orlando Pirates vs Supersport United: Title defence starts here

The local soccer season is set to kick off with a big match between Orlando Pirates and Supersport United in the MTN8. Orlando Pirates are looking to defend their title for a third season in a row, while Supersport will be aiming to knock them out on the opening day. Expect fire works, expect goals, expect and entertaining match. 

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Team News

Orlando Pirates have bolstered their squad with the addition of Angolan Star Gilberto and Selaelo Rasebotja from Supersport United. In Jose Riveiro's words "Gilberto is a young guy, having a big opportunity to play for a club as big as Orlando Pirates". There is a lot Orlando Pirates fans have to be excited about. In addition to the new signing the coaching staff is confident in the teams ability to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns league title.

Gavin Hunt is excited to take Supersport United to new heights this season. Although Gavin Hunt has complained about the challenges that he has faced with Supersport United, especially with many of their talents leaving for Mamelodi Sundowns. This transfer window has been no different, with Keegan Johannes leaving for Mamelodi Sundowns and Thalente Mbatha joining Orlando Pirates along with Selaelo Rasebotja. It is not all bad news, with Vincent Pule joining from Orlando Pirates Pogiso Sanoka and Brooklyn Poggenpoel joining from Chippa United.

3 Way - Orlando Pirates 81/100

The Defending Champions start their defence against Pretoria Giants Supersport United. Pre-season was mixed for Orlando Pirates, they secured two draws, a win and a loss in the four games they played. For them, they will be expected to hit the ground running and secure a win against Supersport United and move on to Cs-Dfc in the CAF Champions League qualifiers. The MTN8 has been happy hunting grounds for Orlando Pirates in previous years, with back to back championships in this competition.

For the Pretoria Giants Supersport United pre-season was amazing. They spent some time in Botswana winning all three matches they featured in including a 1-7 win over BDF XI. They will need to be mindful of the fact that they have not kept a clean sheet against Orlando Pirates in their last three meetings. Matches between these two teams have ended with less than 2.5 goals in four out of their last five games. However, you will have to give Supersport United  the respect they deserve. They suffered their last defeat against Kaizer Chiefs at the end of April. That defeat would see them go on a run of five games without a loss including a draw against Orlando Pirates on the last day of the 2023/2024 season.

These are two teams who are looking to make a statement that will set the tone for this 2024/25 season. A win for Orlando Pirates is expected but Supersports United have a lot more to gain from a win in this fixture. Especially with Gavin Hunt wanting to regain respect for his name in the industry. However, This is Orlando Pirates and this is the MTN 8. You can expect the back to back champions to secure the result.

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