Start of Pitso Mosimane's era in the South African national team: Orlando Pirates aim for 13 points in Mbombela

Obslam Waddu highly praised the smooth adaptation of midfielder Tapelo Mokobodi to the Orlando Pirates squad, noting the merits of Gavin Hunt in preparing the player.

Waddu believes that Mokobodi's tactical intelligence and pre-season preparation under Gavin Hunt allowed the 23-year-old footballer to quickly integrate into the Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates coach Obslam Waddu expressed satisfaction with how easily Mokobodi integrated into the team and commended Gavin Hunt for initiating this process.

Mokobodi has started playing in the Pirates' last three matches, and the team won all three games. These victories came after the Pirates defeated Chippa United and Sekhukhune United in the league, as well as winning against Sekhukhune in the first match of the MTN8 semi-finals in Polokwane.

Despite the Pirates having a strong midfield lineup, the team faced issues at the start of the season due to injuries to key central midfielders Sichle Nduli and Talente Mbatata. Therefore, Mokobodi's quick adaptation proved timely. The 23-year-old player feels confident with the ball, effectively covers spaces against the flow of the game, and provides accurate ball distribution in attack.

Mokobodi received high praise from Waddu, who noted the fundamental work done by his former coach from Stellenbosch, despite the player missing the pre-season tour in Marbella, Spain. Waddu stated: 'I know this guy very well. I know his qualities from my previous club, and I know what he can give us.' He added that Mokobodi began the pre-season with Gavin Hunt in Stellenbosch, and knowing Gavin Hunt and his approach to team play, it is clear that the player was well-prepared.

The coach continued: 'He just came and completed the final phase of preparation with us. His playing style matches our approach. He is smart, which facilitates his integration. He seized the opportunity. I always say that when the train stops at the station, you should get on it, especially if it is a high-speed train.' Waddu expressed hope that Mokobodi will continue to develop and become a key player in the team's system.

Mokobodi intends to maintain his impressive form as the Pirates attempt to reach the fifth consecutive MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon (at 15:00).

Chelsea began the new season with a win. During the match, João Pedro scored a goal just 31 seconds in, which became one of the fastest goals in Premier League history in the first round of the season.

Cedric Kese, the coach of Sekuhuhune United, is preparing for the match against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-finals, where he intends to showcase his tactical insights.

Kese stated that his team must reach maximum preparation level during the first semi-final match, which will take place at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. This match will be the first of three planned encounters between the clubs throughout the week, followed by a Premier League Betway game, and then they will meet again in the decisive cup match.

Orlando Pirates aims to win its fifth consecutive title in MTN8, but Kese welcomes this challenge despite acknowledging the difficulty of the task facing his team.

"This is a very busy week for us because we will play against the same team three times," Kese noted. "We know how big the mountain we have to climb is, but we are preparing and we want to fight. Starting on Saturday, for the first match, we need to be the best. We must show our intentions, our mind, and our plan must be clear."

Kese described his ideal playing style as a combination of the best moments from recent Sekuhuhune United performances. He specifically highlighted strong opening periods against Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City, as well as defensive successes against Polokwane City. "I would say that if I have to combine the best, it is my first half against Chiefs, my first half against Durban City, combined with my best defensive and attacking elements from the first half against Polokwane City," he explained. "We need to find the right balance between how we want to attack and how we want to defend."

The coach also declined to reveal whether Sekuhuhune will adopt an aggressive approach in the first match, as he does not wish to disclose his tactical schemes in advance. "I would not reveal my approach for Saturday because I might reveal my secrets too early," he stated. "But I can say that I have seen other teams fail to cope with them. Let me just say that I want to go a different way."