Refilwe Sebola
Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) have been handed a high-profile fixture after being drawn to face Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup Last 32, setting up one of the most intriguing ties of the competition.
The venue and date are yet to be confirmed, but the draw alone has already generated excitement, as it will see TTM return to the national spotlight against one of South Africa’s football giants.
The fixture marks a significant moment for the former PSL outfit, who once competed regularly on the top stage alongside clubs such as Pirates. TTM famously etched their name into South African football history in 2021, when they lifted the Nedbank Cup after defeating Chippa United at the Free State Stadium.
Following that historic triumph, the club underwent a turbulent period. TTM was sold and later rebranded as Marumo Gallants, before the TTM name resurfaced in the lower divisions.
The club was subsequently sold to Maruleng Celtics, but the Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila identity has since been reclaimed, restoring a proud name in Limpopo football.
The last time TTM and Orlando Pirates met in a cup competition was in the 2022 Nedbank Cup, where the Buccaneers emphatically defeated the then defending champions 4–0, a result that underlined the gulf in class at the time.
Now competing in the ABC Motsepe League, TTM will head into the encounter as clear underdogs, setting up a classic David versus Goliath contest. The Limpopo-based side currently sit ninth in Stream A, having collected five points from six matches, with one win, two draws and three defeats to their name.
Despite their current league struggles, cup competitions have historically provided TTM with moments of inspiration, and the clash against Pirates offers an opportunity to revive memories of past glory.
As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on whether TTM can rise to the occasion once more or whether Orlando Pirates will assert their dominance when the two sides meet in this highly anticipated Nedbank Cup encounter.