On the final match day of an eventful campaign, the Soweto Giants make one last appearance in front of the Bucs faithful as they take on the Limpopo outfit, who stand between them and a strong finish.

Form Guide

Pirates will be looking to close things off with their 20th league win after falling short in their quest to reach that mark over the weekend. They came from a goal down to clinch a point against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium, taking their season tally to 60 points.

While unbeaten in their last six matches, they have dropped four points through stalemates in recent weeks. This run includes their first league draw in Soweto which restricted their home points tally to 31 in 13 matches.

The Buccaneers remain one of this season’s best performers in their own patch, second only to Mamelodi Sundowns in this regard having emerged victorious against 10 of their visitors, while the next best team finished with seven wins.

They have one more chance to delight their home fans as they gear up to host Dikwena tša Meetse, who have recently confirmed their spot in the top flight for another season.

Magesi’s point at home to Marumo Gallants last Saturday completely eliminated the threat of relegation heading into the final match day. They solidified their spot in 13th place, four points clear of 15th place SuperSport United who still have a game to complete.

That is one season objective achieved by the top flight newcomers, who could finish even higher up the table with a good result against the Buccaneers. However, they will need to overturn their away form in order to do so.

Owen Da Gama’s men have been among the worst performers on the road this season, with just nine out of a possible 36 points collected. Their last away win was against provincial rivals Polokwane City four months ago, and they arrive in Soweto having lost each of their last four games as visitors.

It’s the longest ongoing away losing streak in the league, but Magesi’s giant-killing pedigree has been on full display throughout their debut campaign. They boast big scalps such as  Stellenbosch and TS Galaxy – who both finished in the top eight – and have their sights firmly set on their biggest one yet as they close out the season against the Soweto Giants.

Team News

Bucs right-back Bandile Shandu is back to contest a spot in the match-day squad, following his absence over the weekend. The 30-year-old was unavailable for the trip to his home province due to a caution picked up days earlier – his fourth of the season – which breached the suspension threshold.

He returns to bolster the squad, which could still be missing a few key names for the fixture. Striker Evidence Makgopa is among the doubtful starters along with midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula. In defence, Pirates could be without Mbekezeli Mbokazi who was withdrawn early against Usuthu, following a knock suffered 18 minutes into the weekend’s encounter.

The visitors have meanwhile been dealt a blow through the absence of striker Wonderboy Makhubu, whose return from a long-term injury has been short-lived. The Magesi marksman received a yellow card when he made a cameo against Gallants. He is suspended alongside defender John Mokone, who also picked up his fourth caution for the season in the same fixture.

Key Players

Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates): Entrusted with the armband through much of the latter half of the campaign, Sibisi has repaid the faith shown in him with consistent performances. The centre-back’s positioning and willingness to put his body on the line has been key in keeping goals conceded to a minimum, contributing to the Buccaneers’ impressive defensive record in the Premiership.

Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi): The Zimbabwean shot-stopper has led Magesi admirably throughout the season, reaching double figures in terms of league clean sheets this season. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box will be key once more and could be the difference on the night.

Head-to-Head

Wednesday night’s fixture is only the third competitive encounter between these two sides,  who first crossed paths earlier in the season. The Buccaneers were victorious in their only league encounter when they held on to claim a 1-0 win at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, following Relebohile Mofokeng’s wonderstrike on the stroke of halftime.

Magesi also boast an away win against Pirates, albeit in a cup fixture. It was at Orlando Stadium where the Limpopo outfit stunned the Soweto Giants, beating them 3-2 in the opening round of this season’s Carling Knockout.

Tuesday’s match presents either side with the opportunity to stamp their mark in what is a budding rivalry with the hosts eyeing a league double, while the visiting side look to finish the season with 100% win record at one of the country’s most iconic sporting venues.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 19:30 with the fixture televised live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will be provided across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets are available for sale online on OpenTickets while physical tickets can be purchased at various Shoprite, Checkers, and USave outlets nationwide.

They return to the World Cup venue for the third time this month in one last voyage before concluding the 2024/25 season at home. Betway Premiership points are again at stake in what is a clash between the league’s oldest surviving clubs.

Form Guide

Significant milestones have been pencilled in at either end heading into the fixture, with both teams set to add one more cup competition into their itinerary for the upcoming season. Usuthu’s run of two games unbeaten has handed them a solid grasp on a spot in the MTN8, and it could be carved in stone with at least a point on Saturday.

While boasting just seven points in their last five fixtures overall, they have collected more points over a similar amount of games on home soil, winning three and drawing once in their last five outings as hosts for a solid haul of 10 points. This form has spilled over to fixtures played elsewhere in Durban where they have collected away wins against provincial rivals Richards Bay and Lamontville Golden Arrows during the final stretch of their campaign.

It means that Pirates will have their work cut out for them against a stubborn AmaZulu side, but will take some confidence from their own away form as they land in the coastal city with just two points dropped in their last five games. They boast a similar return in their last five games away from home and currently enjoy a streak of four straight wins on the road.

The most recent of these was in their midweek assignment in Polokwane, where they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over SuperSport United to collect all 12 points offered in their four league visits to the Limpopo capital.

The Buccaneers now have a chance to finish with a 100% win record in another city, having previously disposed of the Natal Rich Boyz and Abafana Bes’thende in Durban. They will bring up their 20th league win of the season should they prevail, a feat they are yet to achieve in the PSL era.

Team News

Relebohile Mofokeng is again available for Pirates after sitting out the trip to Polokwane through suspension. The visitors will however travel to Durban without fullback Bandile Shandu as he serves a one-match ban after he cautioned in midweek.

There is a similar scenario in the other camp, with ex-Bucs defender Mbongeni Gumede set to close out the season on the sidelines after he was red-carded from the bench during the victory over Arrows. Usuthu will however be boosted by the return of midfielder Rowan Human who was suspended during their stalemate against Polokwane City.

Key Players

Simphiwe Selepe (Orlando Pirates): Part of the Buccaneers’ impressive youth brigade, the 20-year-old has seamlessly slotted into a demanding role in the middle of the park and has not looked out of place at senior level. Selepe has racked up valuable minutes a month into his senior career, while catching the eye with his defensive ability plus vision on attack.

Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu): Moremi has been Usuthu’s main creative outlet and breakout star with 11 goal contributions in 30 games across competitions. The left-footed winger has displayed equal ability at either flank, giving an element of unpredictability to his side’s attack.

Head-to-Head

Pirates’ ongoing run of two consecutive victories over AmaZulu is their longest in this fixture since winning six in a row in a successful period ending in August 2006. Despite often ending on the losing side, Usuthu have managed to deny the Buccaneers a dominant spell reminiscent of the early days of the PSL era as they have kept their losing runs to a minimum for the best past of the last two decades.

Having just secured back-to-back triumphs in Premiership fixtures between the two sides for the first time in a long while, the Soweto Giants are eyeing a league double following their 2-1 win in the reverse fixture.

For the Durbanites, the clash on Saturday presents another opportunity to chase an elusive win against the Buccaneers whose last defeat dates back to their season-opener in the 2013/14 campaign. Results have since favoured Pirates, with at least one point earned in 18 league matches where nine have finished with a maximum-points haul.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 15:00, with the game set to be televised live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will also be provided across all Orlando Pirates social media channels.

The victory helped the Soweto Giants secure a league double over their Gauteng rivals while moving to 59 points on the log. It was further misery for the hosts, who remain in 14th place with just one more  game left to play.

The midfield was the focal point of action for much of the first half with neither side as both sides looked to settle into the game. A second-minute set piece was the only shot on target throughout the opening quarter, and it was awarded to the hosts with Lyle Lakay drawing a comfortable save from Bucs debutant goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla.

Meanwhile, Pirates had only a couple of misplaced shots to show for their efforts during the early exchanges, with Deon Hotto and Thalente Mbatha both not going anywhere near the target with their attempts at goal. It took some tenacious work on the flank from the Namibian to conjure up the Buccaneers’ first real opportunity. He did so by muscling his way towards the penalty area before finding Tshegofatso Mabasa, who was denied from close range by Thakasani Mbanjwa.

An erratic moment near the stroke of halftime denied the hosts the game’s opener as Lebohang Maboe found himself unmarked inside the box when receiving a clever cutback from the left. The Matsatsansa forward however fluffed his lines, skying his effort over the crossbar.

Maboe could have made amends for his earlier miss on the other side of the break, but could not capitalise once more. He was denied from close range by defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who put his body on the line to keep out what looked like a sure goal.

Pirates could not be kept too quiet for long after the break and had an opportunity through a clever touch from Mabasa, who played Mohau Nkota into space out on the right. The 20-year-old could not find a way past Mbanjwa, who made a vital block to keep the visitors scoreless.

Nkota managed to get the better of the United shot-stopper in the 72nd minute when he got on the end of a pass from Karim Kimvuidi before setting himself up for a left-footed shot that rattled the net to make it 1-0.

That sprung the home side into action as they set about looking for the equaliser which nearly arrived a few moments after the opening goal when Vincent Pule managed to get a shot away. The connection from the former Bucs midfielder was however not enough to trouble Dladla, who had all the time in the world to cover the necessary ground to make the save.

With time running out, the home side came just inches away from stealing a point when Maboe managed to beat an outstretched Dladla, only for his shot to crash onto the upright. That was the start of a frantic conclusion to the contest, with Pirates finishing the strongest of the two sides with close calls from the boots of Mbatha and Simphiwe Selepe at the other end.

Neither was able to alter the scorecard, with the Soweto Giants eventually taking maximum points for the fourth time in as many league visits to Polokwane this season.

Pirates XI: Dladla, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Shandu, Hotto, Selepe, Mbatha, Maswanganyi (Xoki 87’), Nkota, Dlamini (Kimvuidi 61’), Mabasa (Radiopane 76’

The hosts on the day return to league football following nearly a month-long period of cup commitments within and beyond South African shores. They square up against a battle-ready outfit that has worked its way up the standings while the Buccaneers’ attention was focused elsewhere.

Form Guide

The fixture arrives with just five points separating the two sides in second and third place, with the Soweto Giants higher up in the standings with four games in hand. They will need to put the disappointment of their last outing behind them, having exited the CAF Champions League in the last four due to a 3-2 defeat away to Pyramids last Friday.

That result in Cairo not only ended hopes of a second continental triumph, but also an unbeaten run that began in early March, consisting of five victories and three stalemates. A win on Saturday will go some way in putting that particular low moment behind them as it keeps them in the race for league honours after finding themselves nine points behind the table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns having played two fixtures less.

The Buccaneers now bid for another maximum points haul while still boasting an impressive home record in the league. They have claimed 27 out of an available 30 points in Soweto, averaging 2.3 goals per match and only failing to find the net in a rare defeat against Stellenbosch. An equally key aspect of their dominance on home turf has been their efficiency at the other end of the pitch, where they have only let in six goals in 10 matches.

While this could provide some much-needed confidence heading into the clash, they will no doubt be wary of the threat posed by a Sekhukhune side that has proven more than capable of grinding out results away from home. Babina Noko are unbeaten in their last three league games on the road, seeing off Marumo Gallants and Cape Town City before picking up an important point away to TS Galaxy.

Their recent run has contributed to a tally of 10 points in their last five games away from home, propelling them to within a fair shot of a return to continental cup competition with participation in the Champions League within sight . Another three points at Orlando Stadium will keep that dream alive, while complicating things for the hosts who are one of just two teams in the league with any chance of claiming top honours.

Team News

The visitors have been boosted by the availability of midfielder Khulekani Shezi in the lead-up to the clash. The 24-year-old is back in contention for a spot in the match day squad after sitting out Sekhukhune’s last two fixtures through suspension brought on by a red card earned halfway through their victory over City. 

Babina Noko could however miss the services of midfielder Vusimuzi Mncube, who is yet to feature since being stretchered out 11 minutes into the clash in Cape Town.

For the Buccaneers, there are no immediate suspension worries with heading into the fixture. The likes of Thabiso Monyane and Olisa Ndah meanwhile continue on their road  to recovery after sustaining knocks in the past few weeks.

Key Players

Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates): Fresh off adding one more goal to his tally, Mofokeng is one of the in-form attackers at Riveiro’s disposal. The 20-year-old sits on 11 goals and 13 assists across competitions this season, underlying his ever-growing influence up front.

Sipho Mbule (Sekhukhune United): Possessing all the ball skills and physicality required to command things in the centre of the park, the 27-year-old has been a key addition to the Sekhukhune lineup this season. Mbule has operated in various positions in the midfield, chipping in with 10 goal contributions in all competitions.

Head-to-Head

Pirates and Sekhukhune have served up some intriguing affairs in what is still a young rivalry consisting of just eight league fixtures and two clashes in cup competition. It is the Buccaneers who hold a proud record in the fixture, winning five of their encounters in the Premiership while losing twice and playing to a single stalemate.

Both defeats have been away from home, and a one-all draw in May 2023 remains the only instance where the Soweto Giants have been unable to bag all three points on home soil. Orlando Stadium was also the scene of their biggest victory against the Limpopo-based outfit – a 5-0 routing in the opening round of the 2023/24 MTN8.

However, winning margins have been on the slim side throughout the league rivalry between the two sides with Babina Noko managing to keep the Buccaneers scoreless just once in their eight matches. Pirates have kept twice as many clean sheets, but are still yet to win by more than a single goal since first encountering Sekhukhune in the early part of the 2021/22 season.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 19:30 with the fixture televised live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will be provided across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets are available for sale online on OpenTickets while physical tickets can be purchased at various Shoprite, Checkers, and USave outlets nationwide.

It’s a result that made it three league wins in as many visits to the venue for the Buccaneers, who completed a double over Rise and Shine to reduce the gap at the top to 12 points.

Following their gruelling midweek cup assignment in Algeria, the Buccaneers remained on the road as they resumed their league campaign. They were not immediately in control as the home side threatened from the get-go in Polokwane, but managed an early attempt at goal in the seventh minute. The chance was sparked by Relebohile Mofokeng who worked himself into space on the left before drawing a save from goalkeeper Brian Bwire.

The hosts hit back with a shot of their own seconds later as Oswin Appollis fancied his hand from a long way out, bringing out the best in Sipho Chaine who displayed great agility to keep his effort out.

Pirates found some rhythm as the game progressed, with Mofokeng forcing Bwire into another save when he went direct from a free kick in the 18th minute. Their best chance of the first half fell to the same player whose first touch directed the ball wide after doing all the hard work in getting behind the defence to meet a brilliant ball from Mohau Nkota.

Bwire continued to frustrate the visitors throughout the first period as he kept out another long-range effort, this time from Thalente Mbatha. Chaine meanwhile had a slightly quieter afternoon with the Bucs putting on a solid shift in dealing with the threat posed by the Limpopo outfit.

Nothing could separate the two sides at the break and the Buccaneers were the first to come  knocking after the restart. They did so through a rather confident attempt from defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, which nearly delivered the breakthrough as he fired just inches wide from almost 50 metres out.

The visitors continued to probe without much luck as the home side remained resilient at the back. It took a 67th minute set piece to breach Bwire’s defences as the Kenyan shot-stopper fumbled Kabelo Dlamini’s ball into the box, allowing defender Nkosinathi Sibisi to finish from close range.

Rise and Shine sprung into life after finding themselves trailing, demanding plenty of defensive work from Sibisi and Mbokazi. The duo was equal to the task throughout as the likes of Appollis and Bonginkosi Dlamini looked to draw their side level.

The game could have been put to bed in injury time when Mofokeng released Mabasa, who was unmarked out on the left. However, the striker rushed his shot at goal, dragging it wide of the target.

It looked as if the Buccaneers would rue the missed opportunity with their opponents unrelenting in their pursuit for the equaliser. Those fears were allayed as they eventually saw out the remaining minutes to claim another crucial win on the road.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Van Rooyen, Mako, Mbatha (Dlamini 59’), Makhaula (Mosele 76’), Maswanganyi (Xoki 82’), Nkota (Hotto 82’), Mofokeng, Makgopa (Mabasa 59’)

The demands of the business end of the season do not let up for the Soweto Giants, who take to the road once more for Saturday’s encounter. They renew rivalries with Rise and Shine as they switch focus back to the domestic league after a gruelling outing in continental cup competition.

Form Guide

The hard-fought 1-0 CAF Champions League quarter-final victory against MC Alger on Tuesday was a welcome result to kick off a new month for Pirates, and they could make it a perfect week by claiming three crucial points against their Premiership rivals. Their journey to Polokwane comes at a precarious time in their league campaign as they cannot afford many slip-ups in their attempts to plug what remains a significant gap between themselves and the table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns, despite still having four games in hand.

As of now 15 points separate the top two, reduced by three from the previous game week thanks to the Buccaneers’ impressive 2-1 win at home in last month’s top-of-the-table clash. The deficit could have been five-points closer if not for some indifferent results on the road throughout March when they lost to Marumo Gallants and drew against Stellenbosch. Their only away win during this period was against Chippa United in Gqeberha.

A return to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium will nonetheless be a welcome one for the Buccaneers after the venue yielded a handy six points from their two previous visits so far this season.

They now face off against a Polokwane side on a high of their own after a much-needed 3-1 win at home to Richards Bay over the weekend. The result helped them cling on to sixth place in the standings, also ending a seven-match winless streak that included defeats in their two previous home outings.

Having halted a free slide that threatened to derail their hopes for a place in CAF interclub competition next season, Rise and Shine will look to ensure that their most recent triumph turns out to be a watershed moment in their campaign. They still remain among the most productive teams on home soil despite their recent struggles, standing behind only Sundowns and Pirates in terms of points collected in their own backyard this season.

Three points on Saturday could propel them as high as third place in the standings, while significantly altering the shape of the ongoing race for Premiership supremacy.

Team News

Injury has been a factor in both camps over the past few weeks with a few key names still unavailable for Saturday’s fixture.

The home side’s walking wounded include defender Thabang Matuludi, who has been out of action since January. He is joined on the sidelines by forward duo Hlayisi Chauke and Douglas Mapfumo, with both players yet to make an appearance in 2025.

For Pirates, there have been a couple of recent additions to the injury list. Patrick Maswanganyi continues his recovery from a quad strain while Olisa Ndah also remains out due to a stress fracture.

Key Players

Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates): The 28-year-old continues to cement his spot amongst the best shot-stoppers in the country, and his abilities were on full display in Algeria earlier in the week. Fresh off another important clean sheet, Chaine has often been the difference in tight games and will again be key in a tricky away fixture.

Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City): The Bafana winger’s all-action style makes him a testing prospect for any defence and he will be determined to deliver a top performance against the Buccaneers. Appollis is a threat in open play through his pace and directness, while also on hand to punish the opposition come set piece time.

Head-to-Head

Against Rise and Shine, the Buccaneers’ boast one of their longest unbeaten runs in the league with only one active Premiership team going longer without beating the Soweto Giants. The men from Limpopo last celebrated a win in this fixture in the second half of the 2013/14 season when a lone strike from Sipho Jembula handed them three points at home.

It has since been one-way traffic in the 15 matches since then with Pirates collecting eight victories while netting 28 goals and conceding 10. The last of these wins was in the reverse fixture at Orlando Stadium when Monnapule Saleng scored the opener in the 58th minute before replacement striker Evidence Makgopa sealed a 3-0 victory with a quickfire brace in the dying moments.

This means that the visitors have a chance to complete a league double over their hosts, a feat that has only eluded them once in their last three attempts.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match kicks off at 15:00 and will be televised live on SuperSport PSL. You can also follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media platforms.

It’s another massive fixture hosted by the Buccaneers at the iconic FIFA World Cup venue as they headline the weekend’s league action with another high-stakes assignment. They lock horns with the defending league champions, who present a key hurdle in their attempts to keep alive their bid for what has been one of their most elusive pieces of domestic silverware.

Form Guide

In what is the Buccaneers’ first home league fixture in almost a month, their impressive record in Soweto is set to be placed under its sternest test yet. They take on a side that is not only top of the charts as far as the overall standings are concerned, but one that also leads the charge among the best performers on the road this season with 25 points earned in 11 away matches.

However, Sundowns’ recent travels have not produced the most optimal returns. Having dropped a total of eight points throughout the season, half of those have occurred in their last five away fixtures. They suffered a shock defeat to TS Galaxy in Mbombela while a recent trip to Hammarsdale could only yield a single point against Lamontville Golden Arrows.

The slip-ups have been few and far between nonetheless, as they make the short journey to Soweto as the league form team over the past month by some distance. They are coming off a 2-0 home victory over AmaZulu in midweek, a result that helped increase the gap between themselves and their next opponents to a daunting 18 points.

Pirates meanwhile failed to make a significant dent in the deficit earlier in the week when they played to a goalless draw against a 10-man Stellenbosch in Athlone. It was the latest in a recent string of indifferent results, where they have collected less than half of the points on offer in their last five league outings.

Their struggles have mainly been on the road while in the games they have hosted, they have been near-unbeatable with only a single stain to their record in the form of a defeat to the same team faltered against on Tuesday. That was back in December, and in the months since then, normal service has somewhat resumed.

They defeated the likes of Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City in Soweto to make it eight wins in nine home league games this season, while also collecting a convincing cup victory in a tricky Nedbank Cup assignment at Orlando Stadium. Now returning to the scene of last month’s Soweto Derby victory, they search for another big scalp in a game that could alter the shape of the rest of the league campaign.

Team News

Suspensions have been a feature for both camps in the weeks leading up to this crucial encounter, but there will be no such worries on Sunday. This means that all players declared as match fit at either side are available for selection.

Defender Olisa Ndah and midfielder Miguel Timm are two players that could find themselves back on the pitch in the coming weeks. Yanga Madiba and Azola Tshobeni have meanwhile rejoined the squad after travelling to Egypt as part of South Africa’s squad participating in African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.

Neo Maema and Terrence Mashego are also back in the Sundowns camp after their involvement in the same qualifiers. Meanwhile, new signing Lebo Mothiba will be eyeing a debut in the near future having recently made the move to the Brazilians as a free agent.

Key Players

Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates): The defender has hit a solid run of form, raking up a few Man of the Match performances in the process. Key in defence and one of the leaders in the squad, Sibisi’s influence will be key against an attack that is not short of firepower.

Lucas Ribeiro (Mamelodi Sundowns): One of the standouts in the league throughout the season, Ribeiro will undoubtedly be one to watch on Sunday. The Brazilian currently leads the race for the Golden Boot and will be keen to replicate his heroics from the reverse fixture.

Head-to-Head

Pirates are presented with another opportunity to confront what has been a disappointing league record against Sundowns in recent seasons. They are without a win in a little over five years while their most recent encounter with their Tshwane counterparts yielded yet another defeat.

The 4-1 scoreline in that particular fixture is one the hosts will hope was nothing more than an outlier as fixtures played by the two sides over the past year have been tight affairs. Sundowns prevailed in two during this period – both at Orlando Stadium – while the Soweto Giants managed to come away with a point at Loftus Versfeld last season, despite finishing the game with 10 men.

It has only been in cup games where the Buccaneers have had the upper hand against one of their fiercest rivals, triumphing in all three of their most recent encounters outside the Premiership – including two cup finals. They will be better served approaching Sunday’s clash with a mentality needed for such do-or-die affairs, with minimal slip-ups required throughout the remainder of their league campaign.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The game kicks off at 15:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and Variety 4. Orlando Pirates will provide live updates across the Club’s social media platforms as well as the Club’s official mobile app.

Tickets to attend the game are available online on pirates.opentickets.co.za, while physical tickets can be purchased at over 1,700 outlets nationwide, including Shoprite, USave, and Checkers.

In a highly physical encounter, the Buccaneers were forced to dig deep for glory as they sought to bounce back following the disappointment from the past weekend. They emerged with their 13th win in the Premiership this season, consolidating their spot in second place with a fair amount of games still to be played.

Things kicked off at a frantic pace with the two sides trading shots at goal in the first five minutes. Bucs defender Siyabonga Ndlozi was first to have a go, latching on to a loose ball before knocking it wide. His attempt was followed by a similar result at the other end when Giovanni Philander brushed the side netting with his effort from a direct free kick.

Shots on target eluded the visitors for much of the first quarter as Relebohile Mofokeng and Kabelo Dlamini both failed to find their bearings. It was a similar scenario for the hosts with Philander causing problems for the defence without doing much to trouble goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.

Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa did manage to draw Stanley Nwabali into a save in the 22nd minute, albeit with a tame effort that was easily kept out. He was again played in by Mofokeng just after the half-hour mark, only succeeding in firing straight at the Nigerian international.

The deadlock lasted until late in the first half with a Bucs corner in injury time eventually producing the opener. The set piece was whipped in towards the near post by Mofokeng, with defender Nkosinathi Sibisi doing well to lose his marker before heading in past Nwabali to put his side in the lead at a crucial time.

After emerging from the break, the Buccaneers looked to swiftly double their advantage early in the second period. They advanced into Chilli Boys’ territory with the resultant opportunity spurned by Nkota who had done all the hard work on the right flank before skying his effort at goal. Dlamini followed suit in the 57th minute, linking up with Mabasa before failing to breach the shot-stopper’s defences.

Pirates maintained their control for much of the second half, and looked to have extended their lead late on when substitute midfielder Goodman Mosele found the back of the net, only for his goal to be disallowed after the ball was adjudged to have rolled into touch during the build-up. That did not deter the visitors, who continued to push forward while controlling possession.

Their impressive game management was to see them through in the end as they held on to clinch a vital win, also completing a league double over Chippa in the process.

Pirates XI: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Ndlozi, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha (Mosele 62’), Dlamini (Mako 62’), Nkota (Shandu 88’), Mabasa (Makgopa 82’).

Orlando Pirates are on the coast this evening, Wednesday, 5 March 2025, for their next Betway Premiership clash as they gear up to face Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

It’s the second game in an arduous spell away from home for the Buccaneers, who have further trips to Limpopo and the Western Cape ahead of their next home fixture. They travelled to Gqeberha following a rare trip to Bloemfontein and square off against a side back on home turf after kicking the new month off on the road.

Form Guide

Neither side could secure a win in their respective outings over the weekend, but it’s the Chilli Boys who head into the midweek encounter the happier of the two. This is after collecting a valuable point on their road through a goalless stalemate against Richards Bay.

Victory would have been ideal however, as they have now collected a single point out of a possible six in their last two games, and the recent turn of results has seen them remain locked in a spot just below the top half of the table in ninth place.

It’s a position Chippa will be eager to improve, with their league campaign approaching its final stretch. They have so far played 18 matches in the Premiership with half of those taking place on home soil where they have bagged four of their six wins this season, collecting 14 points in the process.

The feeling of triumph in front of their home crowd has somewhat faded for Thabo September’s men, as they welcome the Buccaneers three months since they last emerged victorious in their own backyard. They have gone on to claim one point in their three home games since, but might fancy their chances to turn the tide against a side that has frequently stumbled on the road in recent weeks.

Despite maintaining a place near the summit, the Buccaneers’ recent dip in form has made them a distant second in the standings. They fell to a shock 2-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants on Saturday, their third away defeat this season. This trio of losses has occurred over a span of just a little under two months, where they could only spare their blushes with three points collected on a successful trip to Sekhukhune United.

With nine points in their last five matches overall, the Soweto Giants remain a formidable competitor and will be determined to take full advantage of their Eastern Cape side’s recent struggles in their own patch as they go on a quest to turn the tide.

Team News

Bucs coach Jose Riveiro will be a significant addition to the technical team as he returns after sitting out the previous game. He could not be part of the fixture against Gallants as he was serving a one-match ban.

The visitors have however been dealt another suspension blow with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine forced to sit out the trip to Gqeberha after picking up a yellow-card suspension. His place between the sticks is likely to be taken by Melusi Buthelezi, while Siyabonga Dladla is another capable option.

For Pirates’ hosts, the fixture is another outing without Aphelele Teto, who remains with the South Africa squad that is soon to depart for the weekend’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Egypt.

Key Players

Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates): Tough moments require experienced heads and the veteran winger is one player that can be counted on in such. The 34-year-old’s adaptability makes him a valuable asset to the team, affording the Buccaneers some tactical flexibility throughout the 90 minutes.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United): In only his second season in the top flight, the 25-year-old has quickly established himself as an important player for the Chilli Boys. Kwayiba’s versatility means he can operate both centrally and out wide, and is currently his side’s leading goal scorer with seven goals across competitions this season.

Head-to-Head

Piratesgo into the midweek fixture looking to complete a league double over the home side, following their 2-1 win in their season opener at Orlando Stadium. It’s a feat that has eluded them in recent years in this particular fixture as they last achieved it in the 2020/21 season when they claimed a narrow 1-0 win at home before netting three unanswered goals for a convincing victory in Gqeberha.

They still boast a dominant league record in the fixture nonetheless, having won 16 of their 23 league clashes with Chippa, drawing three and only losing four times. An impressive seven of the Buccaneers’ wins have come away from home with the Chilli Boys currently on two home wins, the last of which dates back to the penultimate round of fixtures in the 2015/16 league campaign.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 19:30 and the match will be televised live on SuperSport PSL. You can follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media platforms.

Tickets to attend the match are available online at TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.

For the Buccaneers’ the fixture presents a first competitive foray into the city in nearly five years. They face off against its newest resident in a clash pitting one of South Africa’s oldest football clubs against one of the sides still carving their own history in the country’s sporting landscape.

Form Guide

On their return to the big time following a short absence, Gallants have found the going rather tough and are currently near the bottom of the Premiership standings in 15th place. This is after stuttering along to just four wins and a total of 16 points in their 18 league fixtures.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’s struggles mainly stem from their away form as they boast a slightly improved record in their adopted home, where they have enjoyed three of their victories. However, the Bloemfontein-based team goes into the game against the Soweto Giants winless the last two home games –  both played in their backyard. This follows a home defeat to a 10-man Mamelodi Sundowns and a goalless stalemate in last Sunday’s game against Polokwane City.

The draw against Rise and Shine may have been a tad short of the desired result, but it was yet another home fixture where their visitors had drawn blanks in front of goal. While not nearly as potent as they would like to be on one end of the pitch, Gallants have been shrewd at the other – keeping clean sheets in three of their last five home fixtures.

Results-wise, they have tallied 12 points at Free State Stadium throughout the season with eight coming against four of the five most recent visitors. Next to step onto the famous FIFA World Cup venue is a second-place Bucs outfit with some ground to cover in their aspirations to reach the summit of the table.

Since a hard-fought three points at home to Cape Town City, the gap between Pirates and the table-topping Sundowns has risen to a daunting 15 points. They do however have four games in hand and will want to make a significant dent in the deficit by dispatching their next hosts.

In order to achieve that, they will need to put behind them the memory of their last away league outing where they tripped up only for the third time in the ongoing league campaign. Two of their defeats have come in their five last outings on the road, where they boast nine out of a possible 15 points.

In six away fixtures since the start of the season, the Buccaneers have averaged a respectable two points a game. A total of seven goals and six conceded in their games outside of Soweto suggests that they have mainly crawled over the line, with October’s 2-0 win over TS Galaxy remaining their most significant winning margin on the road.

Team News

The Buccaneers will be one man short in the technical department, with head coach Jose Riveiro unable to take his usual spot in the dugout. The Spaniard has been suspended for one match after earning a booking during the victory over City.

There has been a boost amid the playing personnel however, with Kabelo Dlamini up for selection after serving his yellow-card ban. Fellow midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi is meanwhile a slight injury worry after he was stretchered off early in the second half on Saturday.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa also have a suspension worry of their own with midfielder Monde Mphambaniso unavailable for the clash. The 32-year-old picked up his fourth caution of the season over the weekend, triggering a one-match ban.

Key Players

Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates): The Bucs striker will be making a rare return to his former hunting ground, and does so in red-hot scoring form. With four goals in his last two league appearances, Mabasa will require some attention from the Gallants defence who will be well aware of the danger he poses following his hat-trick in the reverse fixture.

Edgar Manaka (Marumo Gallants): Highly experienced with valuable miles in the tank, the Gallants skipper has led from the front in his side’s return to the Premiership. The 35-year-old Manaka has excelled in a defensive role in the centre of the park, while occasionally showing up on the scoresheet.

Head-to-Head

Pirates and Gallants have so far battled it out five times in the league with their first clash only dating back to August 2021. Their most recent encounter will still be fresh in memory, especially for the Bucs faithful who witnessed their side romp to an astonishing 8-1 victory at Orlando Stadium just two months ago.

That was the Buccaneers’ fourth win in a row in games against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, and their third on home soil. They have managed one win in two attempts on the road, playing to a goalless stalemate in the inaugural encounter between the two sides before bagging a straightforward 2-0 win.

Unsurprisingly, the Soweto Giants’ dominance in this rivalry is also reflected under the goals column, where they account  for 10 of the 13 goals scored. Only two of these came in games hosted by Gallants, who are yet to find the net as the home team and will hope that their recent relocation presents a sharp change in fortunes in this particular fixture.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match starts at 17:45 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will also be provided across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the game are available online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.

What would have been the Buccaneers’ first game of the week was abandoned on Wednesday due to a waterlogged pitch in Hammarsdale and focus has now turned to their clash against the Citizens, who are back on the road after their own midweek home assignment.

Saturday’s fixture also marks the halfway point of the home side’s Premiership campaign as they look to strengthen their charge for the top prize.

Form Guide

With three games in hand, they remain in second place in the standings with the gap between themselves and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns now at 12 points following the postponement of the match against Lamontville Golden Arrows. They’re home for the second week running following their Nedbank Cup Round of 16 win against Baroka, gearing up to take to the field in what is the first Premiership game at Orlando Stadium since their 8-1 routing of Marumo Gallants in December.

Pirates have had one more home game since that emphatic result, beating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in a dramatic Soweto Derby held at FNB Stadium. That win plus victories away to Magesi and Sekhukhune United have raised their points tally to nine in their five most recent outings – a figure that could have been greater if not for defeats away to City and Sundowns. They will nonetheless relish playing in a familiar backdrop, having collected 21 of their 33 league points in Soweto.

Standing between them and victory is a side looking to emerge from a difficult period after last experiencing victory in mid-January. That win from a little over a month ago is the only positive result in their last five games and is responsible for the bulk of the four points earned during this period, where they’ve also experienced cup disappointment in the form of an early cup exit.

As they head to Orlando, the Citizens are on a run of three straight defeats away from home. They remain the joint-worst performers on the road across the league, tied with Gallants at just four away points.

Currently occupying 10th place with the chance to re-enter the top eight should they prevail on Saturday, they will be eager to spoil the Soweto Giants’ league homecoming by becoming only the second team to defeat them in their own backyard this season.

Team News

The visitors will be without assistant coach Lebohang Manyama, who will be missing from their dugout due to a red-card suspension. They will also miss the services of former Bucs midfielder Fortune Makaringe as he nurses an ankle injury that has kept him out of action since October.

Pirates meanwhile have a midfield absentee of their own in the form of Kabelo Dlamini, who serves a one-match ban. That department has however been bolstered by the return of Thalente Mbatha along with Goodman Mosele, both fit after spells on the sidelines.

Key Players

Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates): The Bucs striker has had success against City in the past, and crosses paths with them again just a week after bagging his second hat-trick of the season. Mabasa’s anticipation and movement in and around the opposition box make him the perfect goal poacher while also threatening with his aerial prowess and the ability to strike from range.

Darwin Gonzalez (Cape Town City): With the uncanny ability to raise his game in big fixtures, Gonzalez was the difference in City’s last encounter with Pirates and will look to produce more of the same at Orlando Stadium. The 30-year-old is not only a factor with his creativity in open play, but also poses a significant threat come set-piece time.

Head-to-Head

The two sides lock horns for the fourth time this season after contesting two legs of the MTN8 semifinals early in the campaign, along with January’s Premiership clash. The previous games have produced all three possible results, with Pirates finding success in the cup while City go into Saturday’s game looking to complete a league double.

The Citizen’s recent league win also means that things are even under the results column  in their rivalry with the Soweto Giants, with victories sitting at five apiece while the other eight matches could not produce a winner. The Buccaneers still lead the goal stakes, having found the net 22 times while letting in 18 goals.

The hosts however remain unbeaten at Orlando Stadium with four wins and as many stalemates in the eight games played. They also have a comfortable lead in terms of goals, claiming a healthy share of 12 out of the 18 scored in Soweto.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match is set to kick off at 15:30, with live coverage available on SuperSport PSL. You can follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates shared across Orlando Pirates’ social media channels.

Tickets are available for sale online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.

Following a brief return to Orlando Stadium, the Buccaneers resume their travels with an important assignment away to Abafana Bes’thende. It’s a match whose result could offer a significant boost as they hit the halfway mark in their league campaign.

Form Guide

They head to KwaZulu-Natal having progressed in the Nedbank Cup courtesy of a 3-1 win at home against Baroka. The victory helped secure their spot in the quarter-finals for the third season running.

Their immediate attention has now shifted to their league ambitions after falling nine points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. This follows their loss to the Tshwane Giants at Loftus Versfeld, which threatened to widen the gap even further before Pirates were handed a lifeline by a slip-up from their rivals.

Currently in second place with two games in hand, the Buccaneers now have an opportunity to lessen the deficit. Their recent away form however suggests the desired result is far from a foregone conclusion, following two defeats in their last three league games on the road. Their only away victory in this sequence of fixtures came in a midweek trip to Sekhukhune United.

Against Arrows, they face a side desperate to turn their fortunes around after going winless in their last three fixtures, securing just a single point in the process. Their last victory in all competitions was away to Kaizer Chiefs, and the month since then has seen them pick up only two points to drop to 10th place in the standings.

Abafana Bes’thende’s current league position has been partly due to their results at home, where they remain in search of their first win since early December. They host Pirates having lost once and collected two points through stalemates since last emerging triumphant in their backyard where they have managed eight points in seven home matches since the start of the season.

Team News

Midfielder Kabelo Dlamini will be a key absentee in the centre of the park for the visitors. His 73rd minute booking in the recent Nedbank Cup tie rules him out of the fixture as it was his fourth yellow card of the season, thus making him ineligible for selection.

The Buccaneers’ hosts have no such suspension worries heading into the fixture. However, they could have a fresh injury concern in the form of attacking midfielder Angelo van Rooi, who was stretchered off during the early exchanges of their league clash against Cape Town City.

Key Players

Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates): Pulling the strings up front for the Buccaneers is the 26-year-old, fresh off a productive outing over the weekend. The skilful midfielder’s two assists brought him to eight goal contributions in all competitions this season and he will be determined to continue in the same vein this evening.

Velemseni Ndwandwe (Golden Arrows): The 28-year-old is an influential figure in the Arrows’ midfield and ever-present in the starting lineup. Having debuted as a forward, Ndwandwe has been a key contributor on attack with the uncanny ability to pop up with a decisive touch from time to time.

Head-to-Head

The Buccaneers head to Harmmarsdale amid a dominant spell over their hosts. They have won each of the last four games played, netting an impressive 14 goals in the process. Half of these came in the most recent clash between these two sides – where they subjected the Durbanites to a heavy 7-1 defeat.

It’s a result that stretched the Soweto Giants’ unbeaten run in this fixture to six matches, with the KZN side’s last victory dating back four years ago when they netted two unanswered goals at home to take maximum points. Despite that defeat, Pirates have maintained a positive win record in their visits to Arrows, winning nine of their last 19 games on the road while falling on the losing side just five times.

Overall historic results between the two sides demonstrate that the Buccaneers have been prone to the odd slip-up on occasion, but have only suffered six defeats scattered across the 38 league fixtures played over the past 20 years. They have won the overwhelming majority of these clashes, boasting 21 victories with 11 matches finishing level.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match is set to kick off at 19:30, with live coverage available on SuperSport PSL. Fans can follow live updates on Orlando Pirates’ social media channels.

Tickets are available for sale online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.

There is rarely time for a breather in competitive football as the Soweto Giants continue in their punishing schedule. They are faced with two testing assignments against top-four opposition in the space of days, beginning with a bruising outing in Polokwane.

Form Guide

It comes just days after the big Soweto Derby where they edged rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a dramatic encounter at FNB Stadium, bagging three points to keep a strong position in the standings. It was their fourth win in as many matches across competitions, but a return to winning ways in the league after a narrow defeat in their previous appearance in the competition.

Babina Noko now stand between them and a second consecutive three-point haul which could go some way in plugging the six-point gap between themselves and current log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. They find themselves in second place a dozen matches into their league campaign, where they have hit double figures under the wins column.

Three of the 10 victories posted this season came in their last five outings, where they twice landed on the losing side. They have maintained a mostly good record away from home, winning three times with four unanswered goals before conceding the goal that would lead to their first defeat on the road.

Looking to reclaim their earlier form, they are now up against a Sekhukhune side that has been one of the toughest to overcome in their home patch. The Limpopo outfit has hosted seven different teams thus far this season, claiming 16 out of a possible 21 home points

They currently sit in fourth place on the log with eight points won through two wins and two draws in their five most recent fixtures. They are winless in their last two league games however, having lost to Chiefs before rallying from a goal down to rescue a point away to Stellenbosch.

Team News

The hosts go into the match missing two key players through suspension. Midfielder Relebogile Mokhuoane serves a one-match ban after picking up his fourth caution for the season against Stellenbosch while his partner in the centre of the park, Siphesihle Mkhize is ruled out due to a red-card collected in the same fixture.

The Buccaneers meanwhile emerged from the derby with no fresh suspension concerns. On the injury front, a few players are inching closer to a return to action with Goodman Mosele and Zakhele Lepasa among those that could soon feature for the first time this season.

Key Players

Makhehleni Makhaula (Orlando Pirates): The veteran midfielder not only provides experience, but also an impressive workrate and crucial leadership in the middle of the park. The 35-year-old impressed with his Man of the Match performance in the Soweto Derby, covering plenty of ground to break up play while regularly turning defence into attack in a tireless 90-minute display.

Keletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune United): The former SA youth international has made an immediate impact since joining Babina Noko at the start of the season, delivering key contributions on a regular basis. Having started in each of Sekhukhune’s league games, Makgalwa’s accurate passing and powerful right foot make him a constant threat to the opposition.

Head-to-Head

Wednesday’s match will only be the seventh fixture between Pirates and Sekhukhune and so far, results have largely favoured the side playing at home. The Buccaneers remain the only team to emerge victorious on the road, winning 1-0 on their first league visit to Babina Noko in a game played at Ellis Park in April 2022.

They  have since lost two in two since their hosts’ move to Polokwane, but do maintain an unbeaten record at Orlando Stadium which has kept them ahead in terms of overall results. Things remain tight however, with Pirates boasting three wins overall to Sekhukhune’s two with one match finishing in a stalemate.

There is nothing to separate the two teams in terms of goals scored in their previous meetings. The 12 that have gone in so far are evenly shared at six apiece, with each team finding the net four times at home while only conceding twice.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The game kicks off at 19:30 and will be televised live on SuperSport Variety 3 (208). You can also follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets are available online at Computicket as well as selected outlets nationwide.

With the first third of the league campaign completed, the Buccaneers are on a mission to continue what has been a bright start to the season. They visit a side seeking a fresh start after stuttering along throughout the first part of the campaign.

Form Guide

Following a successful cup outing in the CAF Champions League, it’s back to the pursuit of league points for the Buccaneers while their hosts look to make it two wins in as many matches against the two Soweto Giants, having conquered one over the weekend.

City’s 1-0 win against Kaizer Chiefs was only their second in their last five league fixtures, with the other three games finishing in defeat. They are now 11th in the standings with 14 points earned in 11 matches.

Despite what could be seen as an underwhelming record overall, the men from the Cape have proven formidable on home turf, where they have collected the vast majority of their points haul. In five league matches at DHL Stadium, they have emerged victorious on three occasions, only dropping points through a stalemate against Magesi and a 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu.

While the hosts boast a positive home record, they have achieved it without a flurry of goals at both ends, securing each of their wins with a 1-0 scoreline while only conceding once across the five games. They are now tasked with containing a free-scoring Bucs side fresh off three straight wins that have yielded an impressive 12 goals.

Most of these came in one fixture – a 8-1 routing of Marumo Gallants in a league game at Orlando Stadium. This was followed by a handy 1-0 win away to Magesi, while their most recent outing was in the Champions League where they produced a clinical display to defeat Ivorian outfit Stade d’Abidjan 3-0 at home.

Pirates remain in second place in the league standings, unbeaten on the road, and boasting a near-perfect run in their last five matches, only blemished by a home defeat to Stellenbosch.

Team News

There could be a few tweaks across both camps following the weekend’s action. Midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula is a certain absentee from the Pirates travelling party as he is suspended for the match. This is after picking up a caution against Magesi – his fourth of the season – which triggered a one-match ban.
City meanwhile have to navigate another fixture without a couple of key players as ex-Bucs midfielder Fortune Makaringe and new signing Carlinhos continue to recover from injuries that have kept both players out for a lengthy period.

Key Players

Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates): The 27-year-old will be keen to replicate the goal-scoring feats of the previous year after finding the net 20 times in all competitions on his return from loan. High in confidence following a hat-trick in his last league appearance, Mabasa’s movement inside the box and ruthlessness in front of goal make him a daunting proposition for the opposition defence.

Prins Tjiueza (Cape Town City): For a City outfit that has not really racked up the goals so far in the campaign, the Namibian international has been one of the brightest sparks up front. Capable of operating in various positions on attack, Tjiueza’s energy and ability to finish off opportunities will no doubt be key on Wednesday night.

Head-to-Head

Pirates travel down to the coast amid an excellent run of results against City in both league and cup football. They defeated them over two legs in the MTN8 semifinals, winning 3-1 on aggregate.

Those cup results took the unbeaten streak to five matches, following three straight league wins which include a double in the 2022/23 season. The Citizens, on the other hand, last defeated the Buccaneers halfway through the previous campaign when they completed a spirited comeback to win 2-1 after Deon Hotto’s 21st minute opener.

It’s the Soweto Giants who lead in terms of head-to-head results in the league with five wins in the 16 matches played while the Capetonians currently boast three victories. However, only one of Pirates’ triumphs has come in the Cape, where the home side has emerged on the winning side three times with four matches finishing level.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. You can also follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets are available online at TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.

The victory also kept them within touching distance of top spot with the only opening third of their league campaign wrapped up. Their opponents meanwhile continued to endure a miserable spell, falling to a fourth consecutive defeat to remain bottom of the table.

With two forced changes made from the team that routed Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium a few days prior, the Buccaneers were in search of three more points to close off the year. They appeared to be continuing from where they left off at first, creating a chance in the fourth minute for Makhehleni Makhaula who managed to draw a save from Elvis Chipezeze with a firm shot from outside the box.

Much of the rest of the first half however failed to match what was a promising start as the visitors faltered in the attacking third. They had to wait until late in the first 45 for the game’s first definitive moment which came as the hosts were reduced to 10 men after Lehlogonolo Mokone was given his marching orders for a cynical challenge on Mohau Nkota.

The Buccaneers were quick to take full advantage of their numerical superiority, edging ahead in the 45th minute through Relebohile Mofokeng, who dummied outside the box before producing a brilliant effort that beat the outstretched Chipezeze on its way to the bottom corner.

It appeared as if their lead would be short-lived as they conceded a penalty just before the break. Magesi striker Wonderboy Makhubu however failed to convert as he fired wide despite sending Sipho Chaine the wrong way.

Having been handed an escape late in the first half, Pirates looked to double their lead early in the second period. Midfielder Kabelo Dlamini had an opportunity to do so as he was teed up by Thalente Mbatha, but his effort from just outside the box was some way off from the target.

Such was the theme throughout the second half with Mohau Nkota also going wide with a 65th minute effort from range. Chaine meanwhile stood up well to the odd chance conjured up by the home side as he pulled off a spectacular save to keep out what looked like a goalbound shot in the 71st minute.

It was however Pirates who enjoyed the more clear-cut opportunities as they continued to control the tempo. Replacement forward Gilberto played a neat ball for fellow substitute Patrick Maswanganyi, whose first-time shot from inside the box went straight at Chipezeze who managed to parry the ball into safety.

The Angolan international remained lively throughout the latter stages, but could not spark up a decisive moment. The clock eventually ran out as the Soweto Giants claimed their ninth league win in 10 matches.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane, Van Rooyen (Monyane 78’), Mako, Mbatha, Makhaula (Maswanganyi 46’), Dlamini (Tshobeni 88’), Nkota (Gilberto 73’), Mofokeng, Makgopa (Radiopane 46’).

It was an eventful return to league football for the Soweto Giants, who overcame stoppages and a spirited first half performance from the visitors to complete their biggest win of the season thus far.

They could not have asked for a better start to the match as they were in the lead within seconds after moving the ball upfield from the kick-off. It found its way to Deon Hotto, whose cross from the left was turned into the Gallants net by midfielder Kenneth Nthatheni.

Following a break in play brought about by some inclement weather, the Buccaneers managed to get the ball in the back of the net once more in the 10th minute. This time it was from the boot of Relebohile Mofokeng, whose goal did not stand as it was declared offside despite TV replays suggesting otherwise.

Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine kept out one shot from Daniel Msendami midway through the first half. He could not do much against Gabadinho Mhango just seconds later as the striker fired past him for the equaliser.

After drawing level, the visitors were able to keep clear-cut chances at their goal to a minimum while making the odd foray up the other end of the pitch. The best of their opportunities came through set pieces where Chaine kept out a header from Phathutshedzo Nange before denying Mhango’s direct shot from outside the penalty area. Mofokeng could have restored the lead at the stroke of halftime when he was played in by Mohau Nkota, but could only skew his attempt wide.

Following an evenly-fought first period, the second 45 minutes proved to be a direct contrast. The Buccaneers began it just as they started the first, restoring their lead through Tshegofatso Mabasa who netted the first of his three goals on the day seconds after the restart. The striker completed his brace just five minutes later as he headed past Washington Arubi after getting on the end of a lovely square ball delivered by Hotto. Bucs right-back Deano van Rooyen was next to join in the party, finishing from close range to make it 4-1.

With a comfortable lead early in the second half, Pirates were far from done as Mabasa brought up his second league hat-trick in 2024 in the 64th minute after heading in on the near post, following a corner kick from Kabelo Dlamini.

It was then Thalente Mbatha’s turn, with the hosts going 6-1 to the good as the midfielder fired in with a trademark long-range effort, which evaded the hapless Arubi. The 24-year-old repeated the feat in the 84th minute when he stretched the Buccaneers’ lead to six goals.

Mofokeng, who had been a thorn in the Gallants flesh on the left, was then brought down moments before the final whistle. The referee promptly pointed to the spot, with replacement striker Boitumelo Radiopane stepping up.

The 22-year-old made no mistake in bringing up his first senior goal for the Soweto Giants, sending Arubi the wrong way to make it 8-1. That was the last of a flurry of goals served up by the hosts, who ushered in the festive cheer with a commanding display on Christmas Eve.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane (Xoki 84’), Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Hotto (Mako 72’), Mbatha, Makhaula (Tshobeni 77’}, Dlamini, Nkota (Gilberto 72’), Mofokeng, Mabasa (Radiopane 72’) .

It only took a solitary goal in the first half for the Buccaneers to seal maximum points on their return to home soil. The result took their points tally to 21 points, their best return at this stage of the season in the PSL era.

Their return to Soweto came seven days after a successful league voyage to Mpumalanga and proved to be a tricky tussle against Richards Bay outfit fresh off a morale-boosting cup win over the weekend. The visitors were quick off the blocks and spent a considerable amount of time inside Bucs territory, mainly attacking through set pieces as they cleverly drew fouls in the opposition half.

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine however remained largely untroubled as his defence held firm. The first real shot of the game at the opposite end through Thalente Mbatha who went for goal in the 19th minute with a trademark long range effort that was deflected out.

More shots flew in towards the Natal Rich Boyz’ goal from range, with Patrick Maswanganyi misplacing his attempt in the 25th minute. Thabiso Monyane found goalkeeper Ian Otieno’s gloves with a venomous shot from outside the box a minute later, leading to the breakthrough for the hosts.

It was striker Evidence Makgopa who provided the decisive touch as he appeared at the right place at the right time to latch onto the rebound before finding the net from close range.

The Buccaneers maintained their intensity despite edging in front and nearly went two ahead in the 33rd minute when another long-range attempt from Mbatha was kept out by Otieno. The Kenyan international was called upon once more just seconds later, this time making an easy save off Mohau Nkota who could not get enough behind his shot after he was released by Relebohile Mofokeng.

His next save was nowhere near routine as he was forced into an acrobatic stop by a seemingly goalbound attempt from Monyane, who went for goal from a long way out. Nkota and Thabiso Sesane each went close on the stroke of halftime, but the visitors were able to limit their deficit to just one goal by the time the players headed back into the tunnel.

Having finished the first period fully in control, Pirates began the second half as they ended the previous one with a close attempt from Makgopa who went narrowly wide after linking up with Nkota. The teenage attacker then drew a save from Otieno with a shot of his own in the 54th minute, which was followed by an off-target effort from replacement midfielder Kabelo Dlamini.

It remained one-way traffic for much of the second half as defender Nkosinathi Sibisi also got in on the action with a header from close range, kept out by the Natal Rich Boyz shot-stopper.

Starved of chances at goal, Richards Bay’s debutant midfielder Lindokuhle Zikhali looked to manufacture a dream first league appearance with a speculative shot near the halfway line after spotting Chaine a few yards away from his goal. His attempt was however comfortably off target.

Otieno pulled off two late saves late in the contest, denying Monnapule Saleng before keeping out a header from Tshegofatso Mabasa. There was no further drama as the home side saw out the remaining minutes to continue their remarkable start to the 2024/25 season.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane, Monyane, Hotto, Makhaula (Dlamini 46’), Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Nkota (Saleng 74’), Mofokeng (Mako 90+2’), Makgopa (Mabasa 74’).

The visitors were back on the road after enjoying league success at home over the past week. They arrived in Mbombela looking to consolidate their spot atop the standings having won all five of their opening fixtures.

They first had to withstand an assertive start from the home side who pushed forward through Samukelo Kabini, who was denied by Thabiso Monyane out wide seconds after the first whistle. Galaxy’s first shot at goal was an eighth-minute effort from the experienced Mpho Mvelase, who went wide from range.

Pirates had some enterprising moments of their own in opposition territory, but were unable to trouble goalkeeper Ira Tapé throughout the first 10 minutes. The Ivorian shot-stopper however knew very little about the first shot he had to deal with as the visitors edged ahead in the 16th minute.

The breakthrough came through midfielder Thalente Mbatha who produced a spectacular
effort from range to make it 1-0. Spurred on by the opener, Pirates launched a few more efforts from a long way out. Mohau Nkota and Deon Hotto each went wide with their attempts while Kabini also misfired with his effort at the other end just before the half-hour mark.

Mbatha had an opportunity to complete his brace late in the first half but his volley from just outside the box brought out the best in Tapé this time around, with the shot-stopper pulling off an excellent save to keep the visitors to a slim lead heading into the break.

Just as they did in the first half, the home side found themselves with a lot of defending to do
in the second period. It could have been 2-0 eight minutes after the restart as Nkota surged into the penalty area before firing at goal, only to be denied by Tapé.

Chaine meanwhile was tasked with more routine stops as the Bucs defence held firm to protect the lead. It took another moment of magic for Pirates to pull away from the opposition. That came through Relebohile Mofokeng who did well to turn possession over deep inside the Rockets half before finding the top corner with a superb effort that evaded the keeper.

Now two goals to the good, the Soweto Giants had to contend with a spirited finish from the
home side who were looking to pull one back. There was however not much to excite the
home crowd as the visitors remained in control.

Galaxy were further hamstrung late in the contest as Kamogelo Sebelebele received a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Nkosinathi Sibisi. That summed up a frustrating evening for the hosts and the opposite for Pirates, who stretched their lead at the top of the standings to six points.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane, Monyane (Mako 64’), Hotto, Mbatha, Makhaula, Dlamini
(Gilberto 67’), Nkota (Rasebotja 88’), Mofokeng, Makgopa (Mabasa 67’)

It was another fruitful league outing for the home side, who earned three more points to take their tally to 15 after five games played in the 2024/25 campaign. The victory also helped them reclaim top spot ahead of the rest of the weekend’s top flight action.

Having retained the same eleven that won against SuperSport United in midweek, Pirates faced a different challenge in an Usuthu side still chasing their first league points of the season. They had to contend with a long toil for opportunities during the opening period while the opposition made a few threatening strides into their territory.

Patrick Maswanganyi’s wide attempt from range was all the Buccaneers had to show for their early efforts. At the other end of the pitch, the visitors had some promising moments of their own but were kept at bay with Thabiso Sesane and Deon Hotto both making vital clearances inside the first quarter.

It would take something special for either side to grab hold of the game and that moment was provided by Bucs teen sensation Mohau Nkota who produced a left-footed stunner from a long way out in the 31st minute, beating Usuthu keeper Richard Ofori at his near post.

That put the hosts ahead and they immediately set out to increase the lead. The teenager got on the end of the next opportunity just seconds later as he got on the end of a pass from Maswanganyi. However, he could only fire off target this time around and he miscued his shot.

It did not take long for Nkota to make amends for his earlier miss, as he doubled his tally five minutes after bagging his first senior goal. His second came following some neat work from Mofokeng, who unselfishly knocked one into the direction of his fellow Academy product with the youngster making no mistake as he calmly slotted home to make it 2-0.

The teenager remained relentless, almost completing his hat-trick three minutes after his second goal as he rattled the crossbar after combining with Mofokeng once more. Sesane meanwhile had to cut off another attack late in the second half, with Usuthu looking up half the deficit on the stroke of halftime.

Despite enjoying a comfortable lead, the home side kept searching for another goal early in the second half and had several opportunities to make it 3-0. The first few were created by Mofokeng who linked up with Nkota and Maswanganyi, with neither player managing to find the net.

Nkota went inches wide with his effort in the 67th minute and had another attempt blocked
by ex-Bucs defender Abbubaker Mobara just moments later. This was followed up by an opportunity for striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who was denied by Ofori seconds after coming on as a substitute. Another Pirates replacement almost made an immediate impact, as Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo had his shot from inside the box tipped over the crossbar by the Ghanaian shot-stopper.

Pirates maintained control heading into the closing moments until they were stunned deep in injury time by Hendrick Ekstein, who pulled one back against the run of play. This set up an interesting last few seconds of the contest, but Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine had a final say deep in injury time as he produced a crucial save to keep the hosts in front.

The final whistle sounded moments later, as Nkota’s first-half brace secured another three
points for the Buccaneers.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane, Van Rooyen (Mako 27’), Hotto, Makhaula (Rasebotja
65’), Mbatha (Ndlondlo 75’), Nkota (Gilberto 75’), Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Makgopa
(Mabasa 75’)

This marks the second of three fixtures in just seven days for the Soweto Giants, who now turn their attention to midweek league football. They face a Matsatsansa outfit also navigating a packed schedule, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle for three crucial points.

Form Guide

It’s a fixture that pits two sides with a bit to prove after experiencing similar fortunes in cup competition over the weekend. Both Pirates and United exited the Carling Knockout Cup in the first round after defeat on home turf.

For the Buccaneers, the high of securing one cup title was immediately followed by the low of a premature end to their pursuit of another trophy. This was courtesy of an upset at the hands of Magesi, who raced to a three-goal lead before withstanding a spirited fightback to claim a 3-2 win in Soweto.

It’s a result that ended Pirates’ unbeaten start to the season as well as a winning streak that had stretched to seven matches. They remain undefeated in league football however, resuming action in second place in the standings after bagging wins in each of their three fixtures played so far.

Having gone past Chippa United, Polokwane City and Richards Bay, they now go in search of another three-point haul against their Gauteng rivals. The Tshwane outfit meanwhile comes into the fixture reeling from a heavy defeat suffered in the hands of Kaizer Chiefs, which cut their cup run short. It was their second early exit in cup football and yet another stutter in what has been a difficult start to the season.

In the Premiership, United currently sit in 13th place in the standings with only a single victory to their name with just a solitary goal and a total of four points in their four games. Maximum points against the Buccaneers could place them within the top half of the table, sparking a much-needed boost in fortunes.

Team News

Matsatsansa have had some high-profile absentees from their match day squads over the past few weeks with Grant Margeman and Bradley Grobler both yet to feature in the league. The two players are likely to miss out once more as they continue to recover from injuries picked up earlier in the season.

There have also been a couple of additions to the Buccaneers’ injury list in the form of Olisa Ndah and Thalente Mbatha, while the likes of Thabiso Lebitso and Zakhele Lepasa continue to progress in their rehabilitation.

A return to the match day squad could also be on the cards for the likes of Makhehlene Makhaula and Miguel Timm, who both sat out the game against Magesi.

Key Players

Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates): Since debuting for the Buccaneers, the new signing has quickly settled in and has delivered consistent top-class performances. A tireless workhorse, Van Rooyen has not only excelled at shutting down opposition attacks but also made a significant impact in the other half of the field, breaking through defences with intelligent runs and precise passing.

Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United): A proven goal poacher, the ex-Bucs forward’s recent form has seen him earn his way back into Zimbabwe’s national setup. Dzvukamanja has stepped up for the Tshwane outfit in the absence of some key men up front, and could pose a significant threat with his tenacity and eye for goal.

Head-to-Head

Pirates and United will be crossing paths for the second time this season after opening their campaign with an MTN8 quarter-final clash at Orlando Stadium. It was the hosts who prevailed on that occasion, winning 3-1 in extra time after the first 90 minutes finished deadlocked at a goal apiece.

Their most recent Premiership encounter only dates back to the final match day of the previous season, where Tshegofatso Mabasa’s first-half strike was cancelled out by Gape Moralo with the game ending in a share of the spoils. The result ensured that the Buccaneers finished the season without a league win over Matsatsansa, who were victorious in the previous fixture.

Overall, matches between the two sides have been fiercely contested with very little to choose between them in the past 20 years. Pirates do however hold the edge at Orlando Stadium, having won nine of the last 20 games, losing five times and drawing the other six.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match gets underway at 19:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will also be provided across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the game are available online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.

It’s six points in two Premiership outings for the Buccaneers, who remain unbeaten in all competitions this season with victories in each of their six home outings. Returning to league football after success in continental cup competition, the Buccaneers were in search of three points against the men from Limpopo.

They controlled possession from the onset, sparking chances as early as the third minute when Tshegofatso Mabasa’s shot from inside the box met a deflection that turned it away from the City goal.
It wasn’t all quiet at the other end, with the visitors getting close through Thabo Matuludi, whose header from a corner looped over the crossbar.

The home side however had more glances at the opposition goal as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mabasa, and Mofokeng each fired wide with their attempts in the first quarter. Deano van Rooyen followed suit on the half-hour mark with his attempt from range yielding a similar result, and it was not until one minute from the break when they were presented with their next opportunity via a free kick on the edge of the box after a foul on Mofokeng.

The set piece was taken by Dlamini, whose shot was deflected out for a corner. The midfielder manufactured another chance on the stroke of halftime and came just inches from the breakthrough when his curling effort landed narrowly wide. Pirates remained in control after the break and were rewarded 10 minutes after the start of the second half when Monnapule Saleng expertly found the target from a tight angle after linking up on the left flank with Mofokeng.

The visitors charged for the equaliser, with the Bucs defence holding firm. They could have drawn level in the 73rd minute as Cole Alexander headed at goal from close range, but his effort was well off target. At the other end, Mofokeng had the opportunity to double the lead as he cut in from the left before launching a shot, which made for a comfortable grab for goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga.

The City shot-stopper had no answer for the next attempt at his goal as Karim Kimvuidi’s powerful shot struck the upright before Evidence Makgopa pounced on the rebound, poking the ball into the net to make it 2-0 with five minutes left to play. The tall striker was not done as he again showed up at the right place at the right time to collect a misplaced pass inside the visitors’ penalty area to fire past Sapunga for Pirates’ third.

Looking for a late consolation, Manuel Kambala fired a wayward shot past the Buccaneers goal and the hosts closed out the game to ensure that all points on offer remained in Soweto.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Ndah (Sibisi 83’), Van Rooyen, Hotto, Mbatha, Maswanganyi,
Dlamini (Makhaula 73’), Saleng (Kimvuidi 55’), Mabasa (Makgopa 83’), Mofokeng.

Form Guide
For both teams, the new season began nearly a month prior to the start of the Premiership campaign with both kicking things off with involvement in the MTN8. City’s cup run was a brief one, as they fell on the first hurdle against Mamelodi Sundowns. They resumed preparations for league football, where they have had a dream start with victories over AmaZulu and the newly promoted Magesi.

Having finished the previous season as the biggest surprise package, they’re back in the top half of the standings in second place with four goals scored and just one conceded. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, take to the field for only the second time in the Premiership this season, having shifted attention to continental football over the weekend. It was a successful outing for the Soweto Giants, who completed a 3-0 aggregate win over Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy to book a spot in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

The result was the latest in a string of good outcomes for Jose Riveiro’s men, who remain unbeaten in eight matches this season with six wins and two draws. These include their league season opener against Chippa United, which ended 2-1 in their favour after an injury- time winner from Monnapule Saleng.

Pirates have been particularly impressive on home soil, where they have won each of their five fixtures, and will be keen to stretch their streak with another three-pointer against the visiting Rise and Shine.

Team News
Having made a few changes on the weekend, Riveiro could be tempted to make some rotations again amid a busy season start. Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng were introduced in the second half against Jwaneng and could be restored to the starting lineup this week. Meanwhile, The Bucs medical team continues to make progress on the injury front, with Tapelo Xoki and Paseka Mako among those who are now working on match fitness after months on the sidelines.

Squad rotation may be on the cards for City as well, with striker Sibusiso Tshabalala among those likely to see more game time following an impressive cameo against Magesi.

Key Players
Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates): The 26-year-old has been a key contributor to Pirates’ recent success and has hit top form ahead of Tuesday’s encounter. Through a combination of blistering pace and technical skill, Saleng is a constant threat down the flank and will be eager to continue his goal scoring run, having netted in each of the Buccaneers’ last two outings.

Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City): The highly-rated fullback enjoyed a breakthrough season last term and has carried his form into the current campaign. With a goal and an assist already this season, Matuludi has been more than effective in supporting his side’s offensive play.

Head-to-Head
The Soweto Giants have a fine league record against the Limpopo outfit, who last tasted victory in this fixture during their first season in the top flight. Head-to-head results since then have strongly favoured Pirates as they boast eight wins in the last 16 matches, with the other half finishing in a stalemate.

The most recent of their victories came earlier this year when a second-half strike from Evidence Makgopa ensured a vital away win for the Buccaneers. City head into the fixture still yet to win at Orlando Stadium, where they have lost four and drawn five.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The match starts at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will also be provided across Orlando Pirates social media channels. Tickets to attend the game are available online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.

With this victory, the Buccaneers record their 400th win in the all-time Premier Soccer League
table (since 1996). The hosts came from a goal down to snatch all three points, sealing a victorious start to their 2024/25 league campaign.

The two sides produced an eventful first 45 minutes, with the hosts quick to control possession shortly after the first whistle. They were however unable to make the most of their early dominance as they failed to threaten the visitors’ goal throughout the opening 15 minutes.

Pirates’ first real sight at goal came through a set piece when Relebohile Mofokeng’s ball from a corner kick located defender Olisa Ndah, whose looping header fell well off target. Against the run of play, Chippa took full advantage of a rare foray into Bucs territory, edging ahead in the 22nd minute through midfielder Andile Jali who pounced on a loose ball outside the box to fire into the back of the net.

The hosts were spurred into action by the goal, but continued to stutter inside the attacking third as clear chances remained elusive. This was until the 35th minute when nervy defending from the visitors allowed Monnapule Saleng in with a chance as he pushed into the box, only to be denied by Stanley Nwabali.

Ex-Bucs striker Bienvenu Eva Nga nearly made it 2-0 to the Chilli Boys with a powerful volley from outside the box, but Sipho Chaine was alert to the danger as he dropped low to his left to make a save. The real game-changing moment occurred at the other end where Saleng was fouled inside the opposition box, prompting the referee to point to the spot.

Tshegofatso Mabasa stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake as he got off the
mark in the league with a well-taken penalty to draw Pirates level at the stroke of halftime. Looking to grab the early advantage in the second half, the Soweto Giants came close through Mofokeng who was freed up on the left but could not find a way past Nwabali.

They also had their fair share of defending to do as Chaine denied defender Thabo Makhele from
close range, while Deano Van Rooyen made a few stops of his own to thwart Xolani Sithole and Eva Nga. With full-time approaching Maswanganyi chanced his arm with an audacious attempt from a tight angle, but the Chilli Boys’ shot-stopper had it covered.

It appeared as if the two sides would share the spoils as injury time arrived with things still level, but Saleng had the final say as he headed in past Nwabali after meeting a fine cross from Deon Hotto. The decisive strike came at the perfect moment for the hosts, who only had to see out a few more seconds to secure maximum points in their season opener.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Ndah, Sesane, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Makhaula (Dlamini 66’), Mbatha,
Saleng (Maela 90+3’), Mofokeng (Moleleki 66’), Maswanganyi, Mabasa.

The long wait for league football comes to an end for the Bucs faithful with the Soweto Giants embarking on their quest to add another Premiership title to their collection of silverware.

Form Guide
It all begins with a clash against a team that has experienced different levels of activity to theirs in the weeks leading up to the start of their league campaign. Chippa’s last competitive fixture on the 25th May 2024,was their 2023/24 season finale, where they went down at home to Sekhukhune United to finish 12th in the league standings.

They have since had a few friendly matches as they look to sharpen up for the season ahead. The Buccaneers have meanwhile been fully immersed in high-stakes encounters, playing several knockout fixtures both domestically and on the continent.

They have one foot in the CAF Champions League group stage after Saturday’s crucial 2-0 win in the away leg of their tie against Jwaneng Galaxy, while their MTN8 title defence continues with just the final
against Stellenbosch left to play. In their six matches played since the start of the season, they have won four and drawn two and boast a 100% win record at Orlando Stadium having seen off SuperSport United and Cape Town City locally as well as Madagascar outfit, Disciples.

A different challenge awaits them at home as they look to bag the three points on offer against an equally determined Chippa outfit.

Team News
League debuts could be on the cards for new recruits Deano van Rooyen and Selaelo Rasebotja, who both ran out in Bucs colours for the first time over the weekend. The home side has also been bolstered by the imminent return of Paseka Mako after he was declared fit to resume training earlier in the week.

Meanwhile the visitors could be sporting a host of new faces, following their activity on the
transfer window which saw them bring on the likes of Andile Jali and Gadiel Kamagi along with Azola Matrose, who has rejoined the club from the Buccaneers.

Key Players

Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates): The experienced campaigner has hit top form early in the season, and will be eager to continue in the same vein as the Buccaneers kick off their league campaign. His effectiveness in open play and on set pieces has shone through in his recent performances for club and country, where he has registered three goals in his last our appearances.

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United): Fresh off back-to-back clean sheets in national colours, the Nigerian shot stopper is one of a handful Chippa players who have registered some competitive game time this season. The 28-year-old’s influence from between the sticks has been key to the Eastern Cape side, who have benefited from the stability he offers on defence.

Head-to-Head
The two sides met on three occasions last season, with Chippa snatching a league point in the first encounter at Nelson Mandela Stadium. This was before Pirates claimed victory in a Nedbank Cup clash at the same venue, which they followed up with a Premiership win at Orlando Stadium a few days later.

Ahead of their 23rd league encounter, the Buccaneers go in looking to further establish their status as the dominant force in their rivalry, having won 15 of the matches played so far while only losing three times. However, it hasn’t all been one-way traffic over the past few seasons with the Chilli Boys’ most recent victory only dating back to August 2022 when they famously stunned the Soweto Giants in their own backyard.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The match gets underway at 19:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will also be provided across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the game are available online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets
nationwide.