Polokwane City’s Tlou Nkwe confident of upsetting Pirates in MTN8

Polokwane City defender Tlou Nkwe believes his side has what it takes to stun defending champions Orlando Pirates in their MTN8 quarterfinal clash on Saturday at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Rise and Shine, who secured their MTN8 spot by finishing eighth last season, head into the match as the clear underdogs against the reigning champions.

The opening match of the 2025/25 PSL season kicks off at 3 PM, with a spot in the semifinals on the line.

“They are the defending champions, and it will not be easy; it will demand a lot from us,” said Nkwe at the MTN8 launch on Wednesday. “But we want to win, you can’t just come to make up the numbers, and we have what it takes to come out victorious.”

Nkwe emphasised that the bulk of the pressure will be on the Buccaneers. “Most of the pressure is on them; they have made a few signings, who will be under pressure. You have to deliver if you are playing for a big brand like Pirates.”

A Reunion with Appollis

One of Pirates’ new signings is Bafana Bafana attacker Oswin Appollis, who recently joined the Soweto giants from Polokwane City.

“It will be an interesting game for him, even for us as his former teammates,” said Nkwe. “He is a very good footballer and was our point of difference. It is a test also for him, to perform against his former club. And also for us, when we come up against him, we have to be ready. He is a good footballer, and I am a good defender.”

PLK City might also benefit from Pirates’ recent coaching change, with Spaniard Jose Riveiro having departed to join Al Ahly.

Moroccan Abedlsam Ouaddou has taken the reins, and while Pirates are still widely expected to comfortably reach the semifinals on Saturday, the new coach may need time to fully implement his strategies and get the best out of his Buccaneers side.