The Buccaneers won the competition last season by defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on penalties after the match ended 0-0 after extra-time.

They were also MTN8 champions the season before, beating AmaZulu 1-0.

SuperSport are three-time winners, having won the top-eight tournament in 2004, 2017 and 2019.

Last term, they were eliminated in the first round, with a 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch.

Both sides have been hard at work preparing their sides for the upcoming campaign, with Pirates signing Selealo Rasebotja from Matsatsantsa, as well as Gilberto, Thalente Mbatha, Selaelo Rasebotja and Thuso Moleleki.

SuperSport have, meanwhile, snapped up Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Keanin Ayer, Thakasani Mbanjwa, Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Vincent Pule from Pirates and Pogiso Sanoka.

Ahead of the game, Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela says his side are determined to retain their MTN8 title.

He told the club's website: "We are looking forward to starting the season on a positive note.

"We are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead of us this weekend.

"SuperSport United are a very tough side. Matches against them are never easy and we cannot, and will not underestimate them."

Bucs boss Jose Riveiro added on Times Live: "We have to fight for every opportunity to win game after game.

"We take one competition at a time. We have the MTN8, where we have the opportunity to defend our title, but we have to respect our next opponents because SuperSport is not a joke."

SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt is, meanwhile, using this tie to discover his side's readiness for the Betway Premiership.

He said in the Sowetan: "Cup games I think take the pressure off when you have new players because for me, the league matches are the pressure fixtures because that’s more important.

"League is always important anywhere it should be. But there is a high priority in cups in SA because it is lucrative, so clubs look from that perspective and obviously, the players generally always have a lift.

“...and it gives you a good idea of where your team is. When I won this cup last time [2016/17 with now-defunct Bidvest Wits] I knew we would win the league after that because our team was ready. It is good for the players and it is good for the team.”

Defending champions Orlando Pirates begin MTN8 defense against superSport United