Floods-hit Tshakhuma aim to halt flush Orlando Pirates’ quest for quadruple glory

In what echoes the legendary tale of David and Goliath, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) find themselves at a crossroads on Saturday as they prepare to take on Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup.

The match is pivotal not only for TTM’s aspirations but also for the Pirates, who are chasing an unprecedented quadruple in South African football.

Recent misfortunes, stemming from devastating floods in the Limpopo region, have transformed the club’s path to this high-stakes showdown.

Following a declaration of a national state of disaster, TTM had to vacate their home ground, necessitating a search for a neutral venue. The iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban will host the clash, a decision driven by safety concerns outlined by team manager Azwihangwisi Phasha.

“We had several alternatives, including Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, but it was already booked (by Kaizer Chiefs). We could have gone to Gauteng, but that wouldn’t feel fair to TTM or our fans,” Phasha explained, pointing out that their chosen location, despite a daunting 10-hour journey from Limpopo, offers greater accessibility for supporters.

As the floodwaters recede in their region, TTM aims to channel their challenges into opportunities against the formidable Pirates, who currently lead the Betway Premiership and have already secured the MTN8 and Carling Cup trophies this season.

TTM striker Bonginkosi Sqwaya expressed an air of anticipation as his team approached the fixture. “Obviously, it is a wonderful feeling playing against Pirates. We know they are the log- leaders of the Betway Premiership. It’s an open draw, and we could have faced any team.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we will see what happens on the day,” he stated, embodying the resilient spirit of his side.

However, TTM isn’t merely facing the giants of Orlando Pirates; they are also grappling with their own on-pitch challenges.

The ABC Motsepe League team has recently faced a string of uninspired performances, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Tzaneen United and a staggering 5-0 defeat to Selwane White Vultures.

This miserable run has left them winless in their last four matches, escalating the urgency for a revival as they seek to reclaim the glory of the Nedbank Cup, a tournament they infamously won in 2021.

In stark contrast, Pirates have shown great finesse, remaining unbeaten in their last 12 outings.

Their continued success, buoyed by a recent 2-0 victory over AmaZulu FC, positions them as formidable contenders, intent on making history as the first team in PSL history to capture a quartet of titles in a single season.