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.

They dropped points for only the second time this season, faltering in their attempts to go top of the table. City meanwhile grabbed another three points as they emerged victorious for the second time in as many games in 2025.

It was a contest that kicked off at a high tempo, with Pirates dominating the opening minutes. Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng each had a go at the City goal, but neither player could find the target. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was also called upon early on when he was forced into a desperate stop at the other end, rushing off his line to deny Darwin Gonzales.

The visitors continued to enjoy the lion’s share of the early chances, the best of which fell to Kabelo Dlamini in the 14th minute when his shot was fingertipped onto the crossbar by Darren Keet. Thalente Mbatha gathered the rebound but could only direct his attempt at goal off-target.

Just moments later, a lucky deflection inside the box worked in favour of the City shot-stopper, resulting in a relatively easy save to make as he denied Dlamini once more. He made another stop to keep out a shot from Mbatha, with the Buccaneers continuing to pile on the pressure.

The home side occasionally ventured into the opposite end where they threatened on the half-hour mark through a long-range attempt from Namibian forward Prins Tjiueza, who could only direct his shot wide. They could have led at the break if not for Chaine, who made another vital stop to thwart Gonzales on the stroke of halftime.

The second half kicked off at a more subdued pace compared to the first, with real opportunities hard to come by. The Citizens manufactured one in the 50th minute when Jody Ah Shene managed to unleash a shot from range, with Thabiso Sesane getting an important touch to direct the ball off target.

It remained a stop-start affair until after the hour mark when the referee pointed to the spot after a foul on Patrick Maswanganyi. The Bucs playmaker took on the spot-kick responsibilities and did well to wrongfoot Keet, only to strike the upright before the veteran keeper recovered to collect the rebound.

It did not take long for Pirates to regret the missed chance as City edged ahead in the 74th minute, with Darwin Gonzales providing the decisive touch as the defence struggled to deal with a spirited charge into their territory.

The remaining minutes were dominated by the visitors’ search for parity while the hosts looked to see out the contest. Tjiueza went close to doubling the lead in the dying moments when he managed to eliminate Chaine from the equation, but his effort was kept out by Mbatha.

City were eventually successful in closing shop, condemning the Buccaneers to their first away defeat of the campaign.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane, Van Rooyen (Monyane 65’, Mako 79’), Hotto, Mbatha, Dlamini (Makgopa 79’), Maswanganyi, Nkota, Mofokeng, Mabasa (Radiopane 63’).

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.

Following two legs of intense semi-final action, the Buccaneers go through after winning 3-1
on aggregate.With a perfect win record on home soil so far this season, the Buccaneers were aiming for
more of the same in their third outing at the iconic venue. They dominated possession early on, but found themselves having to do a bit of defending of their own with defender Thabiso Sesane and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine both called upon as the visitors manufactured some bright moments inside the opening quarter.

Most of the play was however concentrated inside City’s half of the field and it did not take long for the breakthrough which came in the 25th minute. This was courtesy of a cleverly-worked set move initiated from a short corner, as a pinpoint cross from Relebohile Mofokeng located Tshegofatso Mabasa, who opened his account for the season with a lovely header into the bottom corner.

Thalente Mbatha looked to double Pirates’ lead in the 36th minute through a long-range effort, but could only fire wide as the hosts piled pressure on the opposition. The second of the afternoon did not remain elusive for too long with Deon Hotto making it 2-0 one minute from the break through a free kick taken right in front of City’s goal, leaving goalkeeper Darren Keet with no chance.

Pirates emerged from the tunnel looking to create further daylight between themselves and
the Capetonians and had an opportunity to pull three-goals ahead through Mabasa. The
Bucs striker pounced on some slack defending from Lorenzo Gordinho before working his
way into a one-on-one situation with Keet, who pulled off an excellent save to keep his side
in the game. The City shot-stopper however came second best in the 65th minute, this time going one-on-one with Mofokeng who was able to dribble past him only to place his shot on the side
netting.

The visitors had a chance to pull one back through a long-range attempt from Heaven Seeretsi, but Chaine had positioned himself perfectly to complete a fairly comfortable stop with just 10 minutes left on the clock.

With time running out for City, midfielder Kayden Francis went wide with an ambitious shot
from range. This was followed by an acrobatic attempt at the other end deep in injury time
from the boot of Evidence Makgopa, who fired off target after connecting with a cross from
Hotto.

Having scored three times over the two legs, the Soweto Giants had done enough in the end
as they marched to the final, where they await the result of the second semi-final between
Stellenbosch and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Ndah, Monyane (Maela 62’), Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha (Timm
72’), Maswanganyi, Saleng (Dlamini 88’), Mofokeng (Gilberto 72’), Mabasa (Makgopa 88’)

They looked to assert themselves immediately after the first whistle, seamlessly working their way into opposition territory where they spent much of the game’s early exchanges. Notable opportunities at goal were however rare throughout the first 10 minutes with the hosts managing to keep the Buccaneers out of the final third.

Their resolute defence was eventually breached as the two sides only remained level for 15 minutes. The crucial breakthrough was provided by Relebohile Mofokeng, who got ahold of a lovely ball from deep before cutting inside from the left and firing through goalkeeper Darren Keet, who managed to get a hand on the ball but could not stop it from crossing the line. City hit back with a determined attack which yielded their first real attempt at Sipho Chaine’s goal, but the Bucs shot-stopper proved equal to the task as he displayed excellent reflexes in keeping out a powerfully-struck shot from Prins Tjiueza.

He followed it up with another brilliant stop in the 24th minute, this time denying Darwin Gonzales who had gotten on the end of a cross from Jaedin Rhodes. Mofokeng looked to double his tally at the other end, launching an attack from the flank as he did to put Pirates ahead, but could only fire wide this time around.

The home side could have had the final say in the opening period as they went close through Rhodes, who was fouled by Chaine. A combination of sustained pressure brought on by City and unforced errors kept the Buccaneers pinned inside their own half throughout the early part of the second period.

The home side had opportunities to draw level foiled by the defensive pair of Thabiso Sesane
and Olisa Ndah, while Chaine remained steady behind the sticks. It took an unlucky touch to break past the shot-stopper’s defence as City equalised after the hour mark when Rhodes’ effort from the edge of the box caught a deflection that guided it into the net. The men from the Cape maintained their tempo, with the battle between Rhodes and Chaine continuing in the 66th minute as the City attacker drew another save from the Bucs keeper.

Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, Pirates managed to push forward late in the contest before Deon Hotto fired a shot at goal from a tight angle, but Keet had his near post covered. It remained level at the end of 90 minutes, with the two side set to battle it out once more in the deciding leg in Soweto on Saturday.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Ndah, Monyane, Hotto, Mbatha, Dlamini (Maela 87’), Saleng
(Gilberto 76’), Maswanganyi, Mofokeng (Makhaula 67’), Mabasa (Makgopa 76’)

Four days after advancing in the CAF Champions League, the Soweto Giants turn their focus to domestic cup action as they look to draw first blood in the first fixture in their two-legged match-up against the men from the Mother City.

Form Guide

The fixture comes after a tricky outing for Pirates, who were able to see off Malagasy champions ,Disciples FC in the deciding leg of the First Preliminary Round clash at Orlando Stadium on Friday. They won 4-0 after a goalless draw on the away leg played in Mauritius five days prior, ensuring progress into the play-off round of the Champions League.

It was yet another successful cup tie for the Buccaneers, who had disposed of SuperSport United in their MTN8 quarter-final on home soil. With seven goals scored in their first three games of the season, Pirates will look to find the net a few more times in what could be a testing assignment on the road against a well-rested City outfit.

The home side have been able to channel all their focus towards the upcoming clash against the Buccaneers since booking their spot in the semis. They did so by beating Sekhukhune United 1-0 courtesy of a late penalty converted by Darwin Gonzales.

Now taking to the field once more after two weeks of no competitive action, Eric Tinkler’s men will look to use the lengthy rest to their advantage against a battle-tested Bucs outfit.

Team News

Pirates have had a few boosts heading into the clash with Thabiso Monyane and Miguel Timm both returning to action on Friday after short injury layoffs, while new signing Gilberto has since become available for selection.

For City, Angolan midfielder Carlinhos is sidelined after picking up a knee injury in the lead-up to the clash against the Buccaneers.

The Citizens have however further bolstered their squad, with former French youth international Amadou Soukona and ex-Moroka Swallows defender Ntsikelelo Ngqonga among the latest talents roped in during the ongoing transfer window.

Key Players

Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates): A tireless workhorse out wide, Saleng has a knack of delivering the goods in clutch moments and will be crucial for the Buccaneers across the two legs. The 26-year-old is already off the mark this season, and is fresh off another eye-catching performance in Pirates’ win over Disciples.

Jaedin Rhodes (Cape Town City): The attacking midfielder’s star rose exponentially in the previous season, as he featured in all but one of City’s fixtures. Able to operate on either wing as well as more centrally, Rhodes ended the season with goals in each of his last two appearances last season and will be determined to kick on during the early part of the ongoing campaign.

Head-to-Head

Pirates’ last MTN8 clash against Cape Town City dates back to 2020 where a lone strike from Terrence Dzvukamanja sent the Buccaneers into the last four on their way to picking up the first of their three titles claimed in the last four years. This is also the most recent cup encounter between the two sides, who boast a win apiece in their two previous meetings in knockout football.

As they head to the Mother City for the away leg, the Soweto Giants will be buoyed by their recent record against the men from the Cape having won each of their last three matches, including their most recent clash on the road.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The game kicks off at 19:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC Sport. You can also follow 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.

It’s the penultimate game week of the campaign, and the Bucs Reserves will look to go all out in ensuring a strong finish.

Form Guide

With just six points on offer in the remainder of the campaign, they can only finish as high as second place on the table. This is after officially dropping out of the title race last weekend despite posting a convincing 4-2 win in their game at home to Richards Bay.

The win was Pirates’ second on the trot, and it took them to 10 points earned in their last five matches through three victories and a draw with their only defeat during this period coming at home to current log leaders Stellenbosch.

The recent upturn in form has also strengthened their hold on third place, but they will be eager to enhance their chances of a possible second-place finish by claiming maximum points in both their remaining fixtures.

First on their agenda is overcoming a City side also fresh off a win in their most recent outing where they defeated rivals Cape Town Spurs 3-1 at home.

The young Citizens are in fifth place with nine points earned after winning three times and losing twice in their last five games.

Earning three points on Sunday could propel them into fourth place, which would be their highest achievable position if other results favour them for the remainder of the season.

Head-to-Head

The Bucs Reserves suffered their first defeat of the season in their last encounter with their City counterparts as a single goal separated the two sides in their game played at Malta Park Sports Complex in October last year.

The result stretched Pirates’ winless run in the fixture to three matches, with their last victory over the Capetonians dating back to February 2022 when goals from Cassius Spandiel and Thabiso Monyane saw them triumph with a 2-0 scoreline at Rand Stadium.

In their five most recent clashes, City have held a slight upper hand with two wins to Pirates’ one, netting four of the seven goals scored.

How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Cape Town City Reserves

The game is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 and will not be televised. Live updates will be provided across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms including the Club’s official mobile app.

Cape Town Stadium hosts this midweek encounter featuring two teams in the top half of the table with just a handful of games left until the end of the season.

Form Guide

It comes three days after the Buccaneers’ last away game where they netted four unanswered goals against Royal AM to strengthen their hold on third place in the Premiership standings.

The victory was their third league win in a row and their fourth match unbeaten, taking their points tally to 10 in their last five games, where they have only suffered a single defeat.

A standout feature in Pirates’ recent run has been their efficiency in front of goal, which has yielded 14 goals during this period while the defence has kept things quiet at the other end with just five netted by the opposition.

Now looking for three more points to climb to second place, the Soweto Giants meet a City outfit desperate to arrest their slide down the standings, as they are yet to celebrate victory in 2024.

Owing to their excellent start to the season, the Cape outfit remains in the top half of the table in sixth place despite not registering a win since December 2023. They have claimed just four out of a possible 15 points in their five most recent outings, drawing four and losing once.

City now face the Buccaneers at the back of consecutive stalemates in games against Polokwane City and Lamontville Golden Arrows and will be determined to turn their fortunes around with a winning performance on Wednesday.

Team News

Sunday’s victory came at some cost for the Buccaneers, who were dealt a blow when right-back Thabiso Lebitso had to be withdrawn inside the opening 20 minutes. His injury rules him out of Wednesday’s fixture, and could mean another opportunity for Thabiso Monyane who put on a tireless shift after coming on as his replacement.

Other notable absentees from the Bucs’ travelling party are midfield duo Patrick Maswanganyi and Makhehleni Makhaula, suspended for their clash after their bookings at Harry Gwala.

There are however some significant boosts for coach Jose Riveiro with Sipho Chaine, Deon Hotto, and Miguel Timm all back from suspension after missing the trip to the Midlands.

Meanwhile, City will welcome back defender Keanu Cupido who has completed a two-match suspension after picking up a red card against AmaZulu.

Key Players

Kabelo Dlamini (Orlando Pirates): After featuring sporadically for much of the first half of the season, Dlamini is back to his best and has been involved in five goals in his last five starts. The midfielder’s passing range from both open play and set pieces makes him a potent creative outlet while also a goal threat through his unerring left boot.

Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City): The City forward is enjoying yet another productive season in front of goal, continuing to cement his status as one of the best strikers in the country. With 11 goals scored in the league this season, Mayo is an ever-present threat in front of goal and will command some attention from the Bucs defence.

Head-to-Head

Pirates edged ahead in what has been a tight rivalry when they won 2-0 at home in the reverse fixture, with Zakhele Lepasa and Maswanganyi providing the goals.

The victory was their fourth in 15 league matches against City, who have won three times with eight games finishing in a stalemate.

However, the search for a triumph away to the Citizens continues for the Buccaneers after managing four draws and three defeats in seven visits to the Mother City.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs Cape Town City

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. You can stay in touch with the action as it happens by following live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms, including the Club’s official mobile app.