Nedbank Cup: 4 Reasons Why Orlando Pirates Are Favourites to Defend Their Title This Season

• Orlando Pirates will face Chippa United in the semi-finals of the 2024 Nedbank Cup
• Pirates have won the MTN 8 back-to-back and want to do the same in the other cup
• Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC will meet in the other Nedbank semi-final

The semi-final fixtures for the Nedbank Cup have been decided, and Orlando Pirates will be looking to defend their title.

The defending champions will take on Chippa United in the last four, while Mamelodi Sundowns will face Stellenbosch FC in the other game.

With the Buccaneers finding out their last four fate, Sports Brief looks at four reasons why they should be considered favourites for the title.

Four reasons Pirates can win Nedbank Cup

Pirates have become cup specialists under Riveiro

Meet the top 4 African stars who played for Eintracht Frankfurt

Football

There were some doubters when the Buccaneers brought in Jose Riveiro as the new manager. The Spaniard had no experience coaching in Africa but has hit the ground running with the Sea Robbers.

While Pirates haven’t been able to challenge Sundowns in the league, they have dominated the cup scene. The Buccaneers have won the MTN 8 in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, and also lifted the Nedbank Cup last year.

With their impressive run in the cup continuing this season, it’s easy to see them defending their title again.

Pirates are scoring for fun

The Sea Robbers are on fire in front of goal this season, having already scored 62 goals this season in 36 games, with 14 of those coming in the Nedbank Cup.

The 14-goal tally is the most they have scored in a cup campaign, with their previous best being 13 in the 2015/16 season. Pirates have also scored four or more goals in three consecutive Nedbank Cup games.

Which is the best football club in Africa, and why is it the best?

Football

An easier route to the final

Sundowns and Stellenbosch have both been flying in the league this season and are number one and two on the DStv Premiership table.

With the two top sides taking each other on, Pirates just have to get past Chippa to progress to the final.

The Chilli Boys are tenth on the table but did beat TS Galaxy 2-0 to book their spot against Pirates, Times LIVE reported.

Mabasa and Maswanganyi are on fire

Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa are operating on another level for the Buccaneers.

The two strikers have been banging in the goals for the defending champions, and will look to continue that form in the final and semi-finals.

Mabasa has scored 13 goals this season, while Maswanganyi has netted eight times, Transfermarkt noted. Both men have scored three times in the Nedbank Cup.

Riveiro discusses Mabasa's loan debate at Pirates

Stellenbosch Star Deano Van Rooyen Discusses Rumours Linking Him With Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates

Football

Sports Brief also previously reported on Pirates coach, Riveiro, discussing Tshegofatso Mabasa's loan situation.

He netted an impressive hat-trick in the Bucs 7-1 win over Golden Arrows, leading to questions from local fans.

Mabasa spent the first half of the season on loan at Moroka Swallows and was at Sekhukhune United previously.