Why Pirates’ Lead Makes The MTN8 Semi-Final Leg 3 Their Toughest Yet

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rayaan Jacobs has acknowledged that their third consecutive encounter against Sekhukhune United, in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final, will be their most difficult yet, with Babina Noko having nothing to lose.

Pirates take on Sekhukhune at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon after facing them twice in a row already, with the Buccaneers winning both encounters.

The Buccaneers head into the match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, leaving them with one foot in the final.

A draw will be enough for the Soweto Giants to reach the final for the fifth consecutive year.

However, Jacobs stressed that the game will not be easy, with Sekhukhune expected to come into the match with everything to play for.

“It’s not usual to play the same opponent three times in a row,” said Jacobs.

“But it gives us a new challenge. I think you get to see what went right, what went wrong, and get to apply some immediate fixes. I think the fact that we know each other well now, I think that is what makes the game more difficult going into it. I think the fact that we managed to get two over them makes it really difficult. I think we are back against the wall; they have got nothing to lose. I think it poses a big challenge for us.

“We’ve got to make sure we maintain consistency, and we have to bring that performance for the third time in a row.”