Maritzburg United vs Orlando Pirates Predictions & Tips - Pirates to progress in Nedbank Cup

Maritzburg are struggling desperately at home without their vocal supporters and sit at the bottom of the league. They won’t be focused on cup success whilst Pirates lifted the MTN8 trophy earlier this season and will go all out for more silverware.

Orlando Pirates hold an advantage of 17-6 against Maritzburg United over their previous 30 clashes with seven draws.

Their last meeting was in January as Pirates won 1-0 away from home as Deon Hotto scored the winner.

Maritzburg made it to this round of the Nedbank Cup by Sekhukhune United 2-1 at home in the last round. They sit bottom of the PSL table having lost their last four league matches.

After starting 2021 with two wins, they drew 0-0 at AmaZulu before a shock 3-0 home loss to TS Galaxy and a 1-0 defeat on the road to Orlando Pirates. A 2-1 loss at Golden Arrows was next before their win against Sekhukhune United.

In their last match, they lost 1-0 at home to TTM despite lots of possession.

Coach Ernst Middendorp has put his focus on relegation survival so is expected to rest most of his first XI for the cup. Veteran defenders Clayton Daniels, Dan Morgan and Nazeer Allie could all be left out.

There could be a debut for long throw specialist Ryan Rae in midfield. Young attackers like Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Keletso Sifama could start to keep their frontline options injury free for the league.

Orlando Pirates played Uthongathi in the last round of the Nedbank Cup as they beat the lower division opponents 1-0 to progress. Pirates sit 4th in the Premier Soccer League table but have been inconsistent with eight draws and just 20 goals scored in 18 matches.

A 2-1 success at home over Kaizer Chiefs was followed by a poor 2-0 defeat to Golden Arrows. The cup victory against Uthongathi and a 2-0 win against Cape Town City followed. 

In their last match, Pirates drew 1-1 away at SuperSport United. They went in 1-0 up at half time and in full control but could not withstand the pressure in the second period. Vincent Pule scored for the Sea Robbers.

Pirates will rotate in the cup but still play a very strong team. Coach Josef Zinnbauer has injuries galore in attack as all of Thembinkosi Lorch, Gabadinho Mhango, Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa could be absent.

Bongani Sam could play at left back and teenage midfielder Azola Tshobeni is pushing for selection.