Orlando Pirates lead Sekhukhune United 1-0 in MTN8 semifinal

Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 victory against Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinals at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Deon Hotto scored the decisive goal late in the first half, giving the defending champions a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for August 29 at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Following the match, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his team's discipline and organization but noted that the tie is far from over. Conversely, Sekhukhune United coach Cedric Kaze expressed disappointment, stating his side played with fear in the first half and needs to improve technical accuracy and composure in the second leg.

In club news, midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi was omitted from the matchday squad. While coach Ouaddou remained vague about the reason, reports suggest the 28-year-old is nearing a transfer to an unnamed club in Bahrain.