OFFICIAL: Pirates To Face TTM At Moses Mabhida Stadium
Orlando Pirates will face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 next month, Sportswire can confirm.
This publication previously reported that TTM were considering hosting Pirates at the Durban venue for the opening round of the Ke Yona Cup, and it has now been confirmed that Moses Mabhida Stadium was submitted as the preferred venue and subsequently approved by the Premier Soccer League (PSL)
The match will be played on 7 February and kick-off is at 15:00.
TTM’s decision to stage the fixture in Durban is due to the club not having a stadium in Venda that meets PSL requirements. The Limpopo-based side are currently competing in the SAFA Amateur ranks following their recent relegation, which was accompanied by controversy involving chairman Lawrence Mulaudzi.
In an interesting historical link, Marumo Gallants acquired TTM’s top-flight status midway through the 2020/21 season after Mulaudzi sold the status to Abram Sello. Competing as TTM before changing their name at the end of that season, the club went on to win the Nedbank Cup, defeating Chippa United in the final at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The confirmation of the venue comes as welcome news for Orlando Pirates, who have enjoyed considerable success at the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium. The Buccaneers recently defeated Richards Bay 1-0 in the Carling Knockout semi-final on 8 November and went on to beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the final at Peter Mokaba Stadium last month to complete a domestic cup double.
A match at Moses Mabhida Stadium is also expected to boost Pirates’ support, with the larger venue allowing for increased fan attendance. The Soweto giants have previously lifted the PSL title in the 2011/12 season, the Nedbank Cup in 2013/14, the Carling Knockout in 2011/12, three MTN8 titles in the past five years, and most recently the Carling Cup at the Durban venue.
However, Pirates will be mindful of their recent Nedbank Cup disappointment after losing to Kaizer Chiefs in last season’s final while chasing a historic third consecutive title.
