Baroka FC will square off with Orlando Pirates in the 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup final at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 6:00 pm.

Bakgaga booked their place in the final after securing a 1-0 win over the reigning champions Bidvest Wits at home in the semifinals last month.

The Limpopo-side will be making its maiden appearance in a major cup final having defeated Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns in the round of 16 and quarterfinal respectively.

Meanwhile, Pirates progressed into the final after defeating their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 away in the semifinals last month.

Bucs, who had defeated Chippa United and AmaZulu FC in the round of 16 and quarterfinals respectively, will be making their ninth appearance in the final having won the tournament once (in 2011).

Previous starting line-ups in the Telkom Knockout Cup

Baroka: 1. Chipezeze, 36. Semenya, 3. Gebhardt, 5, Makume, 8. Mdantsane, 13. Mabeba, 14. Mosele, 25. Sodi, 28. Dickens, 7. Chawapiwa 33. Sibiya.

Pirates: 16. Mabokgwane, 4. Jele, 33. Munetsi, 37. Mbekile, 23. Maela, 14. Nyatama, 20. Mlambo, 45. Pule, 3. Lorch, 12. Shonga. 24. Kutumela.

Head-to-Head (since 2016/17)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Baroka FC and Orlando Pirates.

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Baroka 1-1 Pirates Masuluke; Chabalala

2016/17 Pirates 1-1 Baroka Sarr; Letsoalo

2017/18 Baroka 1-1 Pirates Banda; Qalinge

2017/18 Pirates 3-1 Baroka Nyatama, Memela 2; Mdantsane (pen)

2018/19 Baroka 1-2 Pirates Makgantai; Pule, Lorch

CUP RECORD

N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Baroka FC and Orlando Pirates.

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

P W D L GF GA

Baroka 5 0 3 2 5 8

Pirates 5 2 3 0 8 5

What are the teams saying

Baroka head coach Wedson Nyirenda

“I would be happy if we are called favourite underdogs. We are going into this game against a team that has won many trophies, including the Caf Champions League," he said.

"And zero on our side, so, we needed it more than them. I think every player in the team knows what is expected of them, a few of them have won trophies before, while the rest have never won a trophy."

Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojevic

“Yes, subconsciously we are looking at having our peak form in that game against Baroka, because it means a lot," he said.

“When I hear someone say Baroka is beatable, I have to respect that opinion, but also our opponents, who beat Sundowns and Wits to get there.”

Baroka key players

Thabiso Semenya: The experienced defender has been a key player for Bakgaga in this year's Telkom Knockout having won the tournament with Platinum Stars in 2013. Semenya will be keen to use his experience and help Baroka win their maiden major trophy.

Mduduzi Mdantsane: The attacking midfielder played an important role in helping Bakgaga reach the final - scoring against Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarterfinals. Mdantsane will look to inspire Baroka to victory against Bucs.

Orlando Pirates key players

Happy Jele: The Pirates captain is the longest serving player in the current Bucs squad having won the 2011 Telkom Knockout with team. Jele will be eager to lead the Buccaneers to their second Telkom Knockout title.

Vincent Pule: The skillful attacker has been one of the top performers in this year's tournament having netted for Pirates against Chippa United in the round of 16. Pule look to add to his tally and help Bucs clinch the trophy.