Flood-stricken TTM look to derail Pirates’ quadruple charge

In a clash that mirrors the classic tale of David and Goliath, ABC Motsepe League outfit Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) head into Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Last 32 encounter with more than just Orlando Pirates on their minds.

𝐍𝐄𝐃𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊 🏆 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝟑𝟐 𝐅𝐈𝐗𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄

MATCH_DAY

🆚 @ttmfc_original
🗓️ Saturday,07 February 2026
🏟️ @MMStadium
⏱️ 15:00
📺 @SuperSportTV
📺 @Official_SABC1

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/0qi4Bdrz8Z

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) February 7, 2026

While the Buccaneers arrive at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium chasing an unprecedented domestic quadruple, TTM is a club looking for a spark of hope amidst a season defined by natural disaster and on-field struggle.

The Limpopo-based side has been displaced by devastating regional floods, which recently triggered a national state of disaster. With their primary grounds unusable, team manager Azwihangwisi Phasha confirmed the move to the coast was a matter of safety and necessity.

“We had several alternatives, including Peter Mokaba Stadium, but it was already booked,” Phasha explained, noting that the 10-hour trek to Durban was chosen over Gauteng to ensure a fairer environment for their travelling supporters.

A Tale of Two Spectrums – TTM and Pirates

The gap between the two sides couldn’t be wider. The Soweto giants are currently the juggernauts of South African football, sitting atop the Betway Premiership with the MTN8 and Carling Cup already in their trophy cabinet. They are unbeaten in 12 matches, most recently dispatching AmaZulu 2-0.

In contrast, TTM enters the tie on a dismal run of form. The 2021 Nedbank Cup winners are winless in their last four outings, including a bruising 5-0 defeat to Selwane White Vultures.

“Obviously, it is a wonderful feeling playing against Pirates,” said TTM striker Bonginkosi Sqwaya. “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s an open draw… we will see what happens on the day.”

Despite their recent woes, Pirates would be wise not to overlook the Limpopo side. TTM has a “giant-killing” pedigree, notably dumping Golden Arrows and SuperSport United out of the competition during their 2022 run.

The Pirates and TTM encounter will start at 15:00 CAT, and the amateur side will need every bit of squad depth and resilience to pull off an upset, especially as teams across the league grapple with the mid-season injury bug. In addition for TTM, Saturday isn’t just a cup game—it’s a chance to reclaim their glory and provide a much-needed lift to a community reeling from the floods.