The two sides meet in the round of 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup, with the Buccaneers clear favourites after edging Siwelele 1-0 in Bloemfontein last week. A late Oswin Appollis goal at the Toyota Stadium sunk Siwelele in the Premier Soccer League clash, but the team restored their pride and confidence a few days later by beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the first-ever Bloemfontein Derby.

In a cup competition, mindsets and approaches are different; you only get one chance, and if you lose, you’re boarding the bus back home. While Siwelele lost to the Buccaneers just over a week ago, they could have won that match had they taken their chances as efficiently as the Pirates did.

Tebogo Potsane. Photo: Morgan Piek

Seema, a legendary former Bloemfontein Celtic captain who also represented the Sea Robbers during his playing days, admitted that it will not be easy, but his side will not go down without a fight.

“It doesn’t make it any easier because we are playing the very same Orlando Pirates side that is in form and doing very well both on the continent and in the domestic league,” said Seema.

“For us, we have to make sure that we put in the same fight and the same effort that we showed in our last two games.

“We are a team that is improving with every match, especially with the new recruits coming in to strengthen the squad. Playing Pirates at Orlando Stadium is never easy, but we are preparing very well.

“We are also proud that three of our starters are with the national U20 side, which shows the contribution we are making to football in the country. Even with that, we are still competing strongly and showing good signs as a team.

Siwelele FC vs Orlando Pirates in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So yes, it’s not going to be easy – but we are ready, and we will go there to give a real fight.”

Saturday’s game at Orlando Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Carling Knockout – Round of 16 Schedule

Friday, 3 October 2025

•             Durban City vs Polokwane City – 19:00

Saturday, 4 October 2025

•             Orbit College FC vs TS Galaxy – 15:00

•             Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele – 15:00

•             Golden Arrows vs Sekhukhune United – 18:00

•             Mamelodi Sundowns vs Marumo Gallants – 20:00

Sunday, 5 October 2025

•             Richards Bay vs Chippa United – 15:00

•             Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs – 15:00

•             AmaZulu FC vs Magesi FC – 18:00

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  cvs/mvh