Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Tyren Arendse has described the upcoming MTN8 clash between the two sides as "the best defensive side versus the best attacking side".
Pirates welcome defending champions Sundowns to Orlando Stadium on Saturday for the first leg clash, with an impressive defensive record at home. The Soweto giants have conceded just one goal at home this season, in a 1-0 Premiership defeat to Chippa United in August.
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Sundowns, meanwhile, have been their usual devastating selves in front of goal, banging in 15 goals in the league. In the four away matches Sundowns have played this season, they have scored five goals.
"It's an exciting game. You can it's the two in-form teams in the league. You have the best defensive team against the best attacking team. Pirates have conceded three goals and Sundowns have scored 15 goals (in the league). It's going to be an interesting battle," Arendse told the Siya crew.
"I think if you look at Pirates, they play some good football. The problem, at times, is goal scoring. Yes, they've been winning games and they are second on the log, but goal scoring is a problem. When it comes to cup games, you need to score goals. But you never know, if they make it 1-0 and keep their good defensive record, they are definitely in with a chance. I think with the Kermit, he might just be the missing link in terms of finishing those chances that they create," added Arendse.
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"On the Sundowns side, what more can you say about them? They can basically put out two teams and they will still compete. I think their new boys are up to speed and you have the free-scoring (Peter) Shalulile. There's always goals in the Sundowns team, so it's definitely going to be an exciting game. It's a difficult one to call. Sometimes form does not count. If you use your chances, you have a good opportunity to win the game. It's also about how the two teams approaches the two legs."
This is the first time the two sides meet in the MTN8 semi-finals since the entertaining two-legged tie in 2011. Back then, Pirates won 4-3 on aggregate.
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