PIC: Edgar Manaka (left) and Makhehlene Makhaula

The Nedbank Cup semifinal between Orlando Pirates Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 15h00) will provide plenty of ‘battles within a battle’ with key flashpoints across the pitch.
It is a time for the big players on either side to step up and show their quality and experience. We pick three key clashes that could be pivotal on the day. 

NKOSINATHI SIBISI VS GABADINHO MHANGO    
Two experienced star players for their team, Sibisi is a ‘hard-as-nails centre-back and Mhango a burly striker who has now represented seven clubs in South Africa since 2013/14, including a three-season spell with Pirates. Sibisi arrived at Pirates in 2022 just as Mhango was leaving, so they were never teammates, but this will be a key battle with Mhango a dangerman for Gallants and a player who certainly knows his way to goal. Though strangely, he has not been prolific in the Nedbank Cup, with only two goals in 15 appearances (nine starts) in the competition. But if Sibisi can keep him quite, that will go a long way to nullifying the threat of the visitors.

MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA VS EDGAR MANAKA
A midfield battle between too grizzly old campaigners in the local game, with both now 35 years old but showing no sign of slowing down. Both coaches will know that if you win the midfield, you go a long way to winning the game and who can get there side onto the front foot when they win the ball will be key. Manaka has spent almost his entire 14-year career in the Limpopo province, but has now made the switch to Bloemfontein with Gallants. He also had spells at Lamontville Golden Arrows and Platinum Stars. Makhaula is in his third season at Pirates after a somewhat surprise move from AmaZulu, and is having his best campaign yet having been initially used sparingly by coach Jose Riveiro. Now he is one of the first names on the teamsheet.  

RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG VS TSHEPO RIKHOTSO

Mofokeng has emerged as arguably the most exciting talent in the Premier Soccer League and has shown already he is full of goals and assists. He netted twice in the Nedbank Cup last season as he helped Pirates to the title, and will be going for his third winners’ medal in the competition before his 21^st birthday. His pace, skill and ability to turn defenders will be key on the left-hand side, and the likely man tasked with keeping his quiet is veteran defender Tshepo Rikhotso, who is 12 years his senior. Rikhotso has success with Bloemfontein Celtic earlier in his career, but lost his way somewhat in the last few years. But he is back playing regularly at Gallants and been a key reason behind their recent uptick in form.