DDC – Orlando Pirates FC https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com Sat, 25 Jan 2025 06:48:10 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mstile-144x144-1.png DDC – Orlando Pirates FC https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com 32 32 DDC Preview: Marumo Gallants https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ddc-preview-marumo-gallants-3/ Sat, 25 Jan 2025 06:48:08 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=11245 Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants renew their DStv Diski Challenge rivalry with a clash at Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday morning.

It is another home outing for the Bucs Reserves who are looking to build a head of steam halfway through their campaign, having found themselves in unfamiliar territory in mid-table. They welcome a struggling Gallants outfit returning to the competition after a season-long absence.

Form

Ahead of the weekend’s encounter, it is the home side who will go in with a degree of confidence. This is after returning to winning ways with a 2-1 victory against Polokwane City at the same venue. That result ended a tough three-match run where they could only manage a solitary point through a stalemate against Richards Bay, which was immediately followed by defeats to fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

As a result of the recent run of form, the young Buccaneers have managed a meagre seven points in their last five matches, only winning twice in the process. There has not been much of a difference when comparing their form at home to their overall returns over an equal amount of fixtures as they also boast two victories and a stalemate with two defeats.

Despite indifferent form on all fronts, they will be regarded as odds-on favourites for this particular encounter. This is largely due to the form of the opposition, not only heading into the match, but throughout the entire campaign.

With 14 games played, Gallants remain the only team yet to taste victory in the DDC. They visit the Soweto Giants amid a torrid run of six straight defeats and have only amassed three points throughout the season.

While emerging as the whipping boys thus far, they have rarely suffered embarrassing losing margins of late, and have collected two thirds of their total points tally on the road.

Their sights will be set on breaking their duck under the win column, with victory giving them the slightest chance of avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon.

Head-to-Head

Gallants’ return to the big time means they cross paths with Pirates once more, having not done so at this level in nearly two years. Their most recent encounter finished in a resounding victory for the Soweto Giants, who recorded a 4-1 win with goals from Gomolemo Khoto, Njabulo Mndebele, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mehluleli Maphumulo. That was the Buccaneers’ second win in three clashes with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, who were victors in the first ever encounter between the two sides.

While there is no real daylight in terms of games won in this relatively young rivalry, it is a different story when it comes to goals scored. Pirates are well-clear in that regard, having found the net 11 times in the three matches with Gallants currently sitting on three.

How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Marumo Gallants Reserves

Kick-off is at 10:00 and the game will not be televised. Live updates will be posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

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DDC Preview: Kaizer Chiefs https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ddc-preview-kaizer-chiefs-4/ Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:56:04 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10719 Orlando Pirates Reserves and their Kaizer Chiefs counterparts will provide a fitting closing to the year in the DStv Diski Challenge when they do battle at Dobsonville Stadium this saturday.

It’s “take two” of a highly anticipated Soweto Derby which was unfortunately called off earlier in the month.

Potentially dangerous weather conditions in and around Soweto forced the rescheduling of the fixture. The two rivals now get the opportunity to thrill the spectators one last time in 2024 as the Reserve League heads to a hiatus.

Form Guide

The fixture postponement, along with a bye in the previous game week, has resulted in two weeks of inactivity for the young Buccaneers. Not being able to add to their points tally has seen them drop down to eighth place in the standings, widening the gap between themselves and the summit of the table.

Their last completed fixture was a 1-1 stalemate at home to Richards Bay, taking their tally in the five most recent outings to 10 out of an available 15 points. Nine of their points came through wins against Lamontville Golden Arrows, Chippa United and Stellenbosch, while a home defeat to SuperSport United set them back significantly in their pursuit for top spot.

Billed as the away team in the derby, Pirates are determined to maintain their decent record on the road after bagging maximum points on three out of five attempts away from home, losing just once. It promises to be no easy task however against a side that is yet to taste defeat at home.

Chiefs Reserves also go into the clash with the advantage of having been involved in another big fixture over the past weekend when they played to an entertaining 2-2 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns. The point earned from the encounter kept them in the hunt for the title as they sit in third place, five points behind the log-leading Stellenbosch. It also stretched their unbeaten run, which now stands at seven games where they have won four and drawn three.

Head-to-Head

Pirates were unable to secure a win across two Soweto Derby fixtures last season when they played to a one-all stalemate in the earlier game before going down 2-0 in their home leg. The latter result ended a two-year spell where the Bucs Reserves had a clear upper hand in the rivalry with two wins and no defeats in the four games played during that period.

Despite their recent struggles, the Buccaneers still maintain a slight edge over their rivals, having collected three victories to Amakhosi’s two in the last seven meetings between the two sides.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Kaizer Chiefs
The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL (Channel 202) and La Liga (Channel 204). Fans can also follow live updates on Orlando Pirates’ official social media channels. Entry to the match venue is free.

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DDC Preview: Richards Bay https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ddc-preview-richards-bay-3/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:27:22 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10602 Orlando Pirates Reserves are back at Isak Steyl Stadium for a clash against Richards Bay on Saturday. It’s a morning kick-off with the two sides among the first to take to the field in another weekend of DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) action.

With the first third of the campaign done and dusted, the young Buccaneers return to home turf determined to hit their stride. They have another coastal outfit on their radar ahead of what could be an exciting clash between two teams currently located on the top half of the table.

Form Guide

Pirates enjoyed success on their travels last weekend when a brace from striker Mehluleli Maphumulo handed them a dramatic 2-1 win over defending champions and current log leaders Stellenbosch. It was a welcome return to winning ways following the disappointment of the previous week when they fell to a 3-2 defeat against SuperSport United.

The victory closed the gap between themselves and the team from the Winelands to just two points. They however remain put in fifth place in what is already shaping up to be a tight race for top spot.

The Bucs Reserves have picked up 10 points in their last five games and are eager to improve their form on home turf. This is after dropping points against Magesi and SuperSport during the recent stretch of fixtures which only yielded four out of a possible nine points.

In Richards Bay, they are up against a side in near-identical form over the past five weeks where they have also tallied up 10 points. The KwaZulu-Natal outfit also came up short in a high-scoring encounter with the 2022/23 champions, who ran off 5-3 victors against them last Saturday.

Currently eighth in the standings, they head to the Vaal chasing a win that could narrow the gap between them and the Buccaneers to just a single point.

Head-to-Head

The 2023/24 season saw Pirates claim their first league double over Richards Bay, having fallen just short of achieving that feat in the previous campaign. They did so by beating them 2-0 in the away league before putting on a dominant display in their home game played at Dobsonville Stadium, where they raced to a comfortable 3-0 lead before clinching a 4-2 victory.

With the rivalry between the two teams only dating back to January last year, they have only crossed paths four times in the DDC. It is the Bucs Reserves who have had the upper hand, winning three of these matches while only dropping points via a goalless draw on the road during the final stretch of the 2022/23 campaign.

How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Richards Bay Reserves

The match kicks off at 10:00 and will not be televised. Live updates will be shared across Orlando Pirates’ social media channels.

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DDC Preview: Stellenbosch https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ddc-preview-stellenbosch-3/ Sat, 02 Nov 2024 12:09:39 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10548 Orlando Pirates Reserves head down to the Cape Winelands this weekend ahead of their DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) encounter with Stellenbosch. Malta Park hosts this titanic clash which gets underway on Sunday morning.

As the 10th game week of this season’s DDC action wraps up, two teams currently in the top half of the standings clash in a matchup known that has delivered some gripping contests in recent years.

Form Guide

It’s a tough assignment for the Bucs Reserves, who cross paths with the defending champions a week after a tough result at home. They lost 3-2 in their game against Gauteng rivals SuperSport United, their second defeat in the ongoing campaign.

This meant that they were unable to add to their 15 points earned through four wins and three draws in their previous fixtures. It was the latest result in what has been a few weeks of mixed results for Pirates, who have won just two of their last five games with a stalemate at home taking their tally to seven points during this period.

Having started the weekend in fifth place, they will be looking for a win that could place them two points of their hosts, who go into the clash sitting at the summit after nagging 20 points in their nine matches.

For Stellies, the showdown with the young Buccaneers comes amid a fruitful spell of results. A goalless stalemate away to Kaizer Chiefs left them two points short of a possible 15 in their last five games.

They have lost only once since the beginning of the season and will look to pull away from the chasing pack as they go in search of an unprecedented third title in the DDC.

Head-to-Head

The Bucs Reserves and their Maroons’ counterparts have had a few titanic tussles over the years. Close margins have decided the fixtures between the two sides, most recently in the previous campaign where the team from the Cape Winelands prevailed with a 1-0 scoreline in each of the two games played.

Victory has eluded the young Buccaneers since the 2021/22 season where Mpumelelo Ndaba’s second-half strike handed them a win away from home. This was avenged through a fighting comeback in the latter half of the same campaign when Jarred van de Burg and Devin Titus netted to hand their side the three points away from home after Ndumiso Ngiba had opened the scoring for the hosts.

In the last six games between the two sides, Stellenbosch have won three with Pirates bagging one victory, while two matches have finished in a share of the spoils. As a result, the reigning champions also lead the goal-scoring stakes with six scored and four conceded.

How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Stellenbosch Reserves

The game kicks off at 10:00 and will not be televised. Live updates will be provided across Orlando Pirates social media platforms.

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Ten-Man Bucs Reserves Cruise Past Chippa https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ten-man-bucs-reserves-cruise-past-chippa/ Sat, 19 Oct 2024 11:30:00 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10270 Orlando Pirates Reserves delivered a clinical performance at home, beating Chippa United 3-0 at Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday.

It’s crucial three DStv Diski Challenge points for the Buccaneers, who brushed their opponents aside despite having to navigate the final stages of the contest with 10 men.

They went into the fixture looking to claim a second successive win following a narrow victory on the road against Lamontville Golden Arrows. After a mostly uneventful opening 10 minutes in the Vaal, the Buccaneers conjured up a chance through Seth Green whose effort drifted over the crossbar.

That proved to be a rare shot at goal for the hosts as the team from the Eastern Cape controlled proceedings for much of the first quarter. Siphamandla Msezane did however get a sniff at goal in the 19th minute, but could only send his effort from inside the penalty area inches wide.

Chippa had their own chances inside the Buccaneers half without doing much to trouble keeper Bayanda Zulu. Bucs defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi also had a go from a long way out late in the first half, but the break eventually came with the two sides still deadlocked at 0-0.

Pirates were quick off the blocks in the second half and could have edged forward through Green, who went clear on goal but could not find a way past the keeper. This was followed by another close call inside the visitors’ half as Simphiwe Selepe headed wide from a corner.

The persistence paid off eventually as second-half sub Simphiwe Selepe made an immediate impact in the 56th minute as he got on the end of a pass from Siphamandla Msezane before firing at goal to make it 1-0.

The Bucs Reserves could have gone two-up just moments later when Neo Mokoena forced a save from the keeper. The wait for the second turned out to be a brief one however, with Msezane turning from provider to scorer just after the hour mark when he dribbled past one player before calmly slotting home.

With the home side cruising, they were met by a snag in their sails in the 76th minute when Dimpho Madalane received his marching orders after picking up a second caution. Pirates however maintained control, consistently entering the opposition half despite being a man short.

They further extended their lead late in injury time through replacement striker Mehluleli Maphumulo, who showed composure inside the box as he lost his marker before placing the ball in the back of the net.

There was no comeback for the young Chilli Boys, as the Buccaneers comfortably clinched all three points and a clean sheet in completing their biggest win so far this season.

Pirates Reserves XI: Zulu, Mbokazi, Selepe, Mokone, Madalane, Molepo, Mohlala (Nzimande 73’), Mokoena, Khoza (Masilela 56’), Green (Mazibuko 65’), Msezane (Maphumulo 73’).

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Bucs Reserves Share Spoils with Magesi https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/bucs-reserves-share-spoils-with-magesi/ Sat, 05 Oct 2024 11:13:49 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10166 Orlando Pirates Reserves endured a frustrating morning as they were held by Magesi in their Diski Challenge encounter at Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday. The game was marked by missed opportunities and moments of sloppy play, finishing in a 0-0 stalemate as neither side capitalised on their chances.

It was a historic encounter between the two teams meeting for the first time in the Reserve League. Both were coming off disappointing results, having each suffered their first defeat of the 2024/25 season. Pirates conceded a chance just moments after the first whistle with a defensive error that went unpunished as the resultant attempt at goal fell wayward.

Opportunities were slow to come by at the other end for much of the opening quarter, with the visitors keeping things quiet in their defensive third.Bucs winger Seth Green managed to force a save off Magesi keeper Sechaba Khota in the 27th minute with a firmly-struck ball from out wide. The shot-stopper came up tops once more just after the half-hour mark, this time denying Simphiwe Masilela.


The hosts continued to grow into the game well into the dying minutes of the first period, but the team from Limpopo managed to exploit some lapses in concentration as they created a couple of chances against the run of play. Pirates keeper Khumoetsile Rathokolo was however equal to the task along with defender Nelson Ralenkoane, with the pair pulling off vital stops to keep things scoreless.


It was the Buccaneers who nearly had the final say ahead of the break when Gosiame Ngobeni was played through on goal, but only managed to force a save off Khota. Magesi were first to get a sniff at goal in the second half, but were not able to convert. Pirates hit back with two opportunities of their own, both falling to midfielder Cemran Dansin who could not find the decisive touch.


Second-half substitutes Junior Williams and Aphelele Nzimande quickly got into the action moments after being introduced after the hour mark. Williams drew a save from Khota from close range before Nzimande’s shot from a free kick struck the woodwork.


Mistakes at both ends led to more missed opportunities in the closing moments, with Magesi coming close after a defensive error by Green. The winger looked to make amends on attack and drew a save from Khota who followed it up with another stop to deny Siphamandla Msezane’s effort from the rebound.


Nzimande had a late attempt in injury time, but failed to breach the visitors’ defences with Khota standing between the Buccaneers and maximum points. Despite the home side’s late flurry, Magesi held firm to see out the contest with points shared in the end.


Pirates Reserves XI: Rathokolo, Ralenkoane, Sibiya, Mokone, Mohlala, Selepe, Dansin (Williams 64’), Masilela, Green, Ngobeni (Nzimande 64’), Msezane.

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DDC Preview: Magesi https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ddc-preview-magesi/ Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:41:45 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10163 Orlando Pirates Reserves are in action on Saturday morning as they host Magesi in their next DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) clash at Isak Steyl Stadium. The sixth game week of the 2024/25 season kicks off with the clash between one of the oldest names in South Africa and the latest addition to the Reserve League.

Form Guide
The newcomers have matched some big names so far in their debut season, and currently sit in eighth place with five games played. This is after going unbeaten in their opening four fixtures, collecting six points in the process.


That unbeaten run ended in their last outing as they came unstuck against Kaizer Chiefs after conceding late to go down 1-0. Dikwena tsa Meetse have however already collected a big scalp this season, going past Mamelodi Sundowns on Match Day 3 and will be determined to bag their second DDC win against the young Buccaneers.


It’s a task that could prove quite challenging against a side that’s also looking to bounce back after losing in their most recent outing. This was when they fell to a 3-0 loss away to TS Galaxy last Saturday.The defeat was Pirates’ first of the season, ending a two-match winning streak where they added six more points to take their tally to eight in their first four games. Having dropped from second to sixth in the standings, they will be in search of a quick turnaround in fortunes on their return to home turf.

Head-to-Head
Pirates and Magesi have had no prior encounters at DDC level, and Saturday’s clash will be a historic first-ever meeting between the two sides.


How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves va Magesi Reserves
The match kicks off at 10:00 and will not be televised. You can keep in touch with the action as it happens by following live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms.

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Bucs Reserves Defeated by Galaxy https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/bucs-reserves-defeated-by-galaxy/ Sat, 28 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10110 Orlando Pirates Reserves had a tough away outing on Saturday, going down 3-0 to TS Galaxy at Sturrock Park on Saturday. The match, originally meant to take place at Isak Steyl Stadium, was relocated from TS Galaxy’s usual home venue due to unavailability.


It was the young Buccaneers’ first defeat of the new season, coming right after two successive wins that took their points tally after four matches to eight. They faced a stiff challenge against a Galaxy outfit that went in search of their first win after playing to three consecutive draws in their previous fixtures.


The home side started strong, dominating possession within the opening minutes and creating pressure on the Pirates’ defence. A crucial moment came in the eighth minute when debutant goalkeeper Bayanda Zulu nearly conceded following a misplaced ball, but managed to recover under pressure. Bucs defender Jabulani Mokone narrowly escaped a booking in the 14th minute following a foul just outside the penalty box.

However, just three minutes later, another defensive error led to Zulu committing a foul inside the box with Galaxy duly taking the lead after converting from the penalty spot. Cemran Dansin had an opportunity to draw level moments later, but misfired with his effort.

The pressure was however concentrated at the other end where the home side sought to extend their lead. It took until the 30th minute for them to double their advantage after breaking the offside
trap, forcing Mokone into an own goal from a low cross.


Heading into the break with undesired daylight between themselves and their opponents, the Buccaneers made a tactical change before the restart as they brought Gosiame Ngobeni on to bolster the attack. It was however Spamandla Msezane who had the first opportunity in the second half, which he could not convert following a pass from Cemran Dansin.


The Bucs forward had another chance from a free kick after he was fouled just outside the box, but his effort missed the target. Meanwhile, Galaxy continued to press, testing the Pirates’ defence with quick breaks, but Zulu was quick off his line to make a critical save to deny a third goal.


What turned out to be the Pirates’ final chance in the contest came when a pinpoint cross found Ngobeni inside the box, with his shot drifting wide. The team from Mpumalanga was also awarded a set piece of their own in the latter stages, but Zulu’s reflexes kept the scoreline at 2-0.

Despite Pirates’ efforts to fight back, the home side had the final say as they netted their third of the afternoon deep in injury time. This underlined a miserable outing for the Bucs Reserves as the final whistle sounded soon after, confirming a heavy defeat on the road.


Pirates Reserves XI: Zulu, Selepe, Ralenkoane, Mokone, Sibiya (Madalane 90’), Molepo (Ngwenya 72’), Dansin (Masilela 72’), Mohlala, Green, Magadla (Ngobeni 46’), Msezane.

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DDC Preview: TS Galaxy https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ddc-preview-ts-galaxy-3/ Sat, 28 Sep 2024 06:11:59 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10107 Orlando Pirates Reserves return to the Vaal for their next DStv Diski Challenge fixture as they face off against TS Galaxy at Sturrock Park this afternoon. Billed as the away team this time around, the Bucs Reserves face another tricky challenge against the Rockets who host a second successive home fixture.


Form Guide
The search for a first win in the new season continues for Galaxy, who are coming off another disappointing draw after hosting Lamontville Golden Arrows last Saturday. This was their third stalemate in as many games since kicking off their campaign, where they have managed a one-all scoreline in each encounter.


Their three points place them in the bottom half of the table in 10th place, tied on points with Polokwane City. A win on Saturday could propel them to the top eight as they look to improve on last season’s 12th-place finish. A daunting task however awaits the team from Mpumalanga with their opponents fresh off
back-to-back victories.

Pirates overcame a slow start to their campaign to record wins against Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United in their two most recent outings. Their recent turn of form has brought them up to third place in the standings, just two points behind the table-topping Cape Town City. Victory against Galaxy could see them finish the weekend on the summit, providing a vital confidence boost early on in what is still a long
season ahead.


Head-to-Head
It will be the first meeting between the two sides since playing to a rare goalless stalemate during the latter half of the previous season. The draw ended a run of four straight victories for the Buccaneers in this fixture.


During their dominant spell over the team from Mpumalanga, the Soweto Giants found the net eight times while only conceding a solitary goal. The young Rockets will head into Saturday’s fixture in search of their first win since claiming an upset win at Rand Stadium over two seasons ago when they struck in each half to complete an upset away from home.


How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves vs TS Galaxy Reserves
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 and the game will not be televised. You can stay in touch with the action by following live updates shared across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

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Back-to-Back Wins for Bucs Reserves https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/back-to-back-wins-for-bucs-reserves/ Sat, 21 Sep 2024 11:15:14 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10012 Orlando Pirates Reserves claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United in their DStv Diski Challenge clash at Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday.

The result made it two wins in the last two matches for the Bucs Reserves as they cemented their spot near the top of the standings. They first had to deal with a nervy start as the visitors came out all guns blazing with the hopes of grabbing an early lead.

Babina Noko were not able to make their early aggression count as the home side came out unscathed. It took the Buccaneers eight minutes to really trouble the opposition goal as they went forward through defensive pair Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Senzelumusa Sibiya with the latter eventually getting a shot away, only to be denied by goalkeeper Ratisani Kgoleng.

Another five minutes elapsed before they found another chance as Cemran Dansin connected with Siphamandla Msezane, whose shot was deflected away from the Babina Noko goal. After further surges into the opposition half, Pirates’ toil paid off in the 24th minute when Msezane got on the end of another pass from Dansin, making no mistake the second time around as he finished past Kgoleng to make it 1-0.

Sloppy work at the back nearly led to another goal for the Bucs striker, who was located by Simphiwe Masilela before firing over the bar. Looking to draw level, the visitors came close to affecting the scoreboard just after the half- hour mark when they pushed deep into Pirates territory just to be denied by the woodwork.


They were presented with another chance soon after as the referee pointed to the spot after Bucs defender Jabulani Mokone committed a foul inside the penalty area. Samkele Sihlali stepped forward to take the penalty, but could not convert as he fired off target.

Pirates were able to hang on to their slim lead for the rest of the first half and came out in the
second period looking to double their lead. Opportunities eluded them however as they
encountered a Sekhukhune side determined to find an equaliser.


A succession of chances failed to yield results for the visitors with Bucs goalkeeper Ethan
Visagie making a couple of saves after the hour mark. They wasted a glorious opportunity
late in the contest when they surged deep into the opposition half, only to muster up a
wayward effort.

Pirates replacement forward Seth Green had the chance to put the result beyond doubt in
injury time when he worked his way into space but misfired with his shot at goal. That did not prove costly in the end, with the Bucs Reserves seeing out the remaining
seconds to make it eight points in their first four games.


Pirates Reserves XI: Visagie, Mbokazi, Ralenkoane, Mokone, Sibiya, Selepe, Ngwenya,
Dansin (Magadla 55’), Masilela (Green 55’), Mohlala, Msezane.

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DDC Preview: Sekhukhune United https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ddc-preview-sekhukhune-united-3/ Sat, 21 Sep 2024 05:30:00 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=10008 Orlando Pirates Reserves face off with Sekhukhune United in their next DStv Diski Challenge fixture which takes place today, 21 September 2024 at Isak Steyl Stadium .

It’s the second home fixture of the new season for the young Buccaneers, who are looking to continue their ascent up the standings.


Form Guide
They come up against a Sekhukhune outfit determined to bounce back after squandering an early lead to concede a 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs last Saturday.

This was Babina Noko’s second loss in three games played this season, and they now find themselves in the bottom half of the table in 10th place.


The Limpopo outfit has however shown a glimpse of their ability to put a bad result behind them, having registered a 3-0 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows on Match Day 2, a week after going down 6-2 in their season opener against Cape Town City.


For Joseph Makhanya’s young troops, the main goal will be to maintain winning momentum as they look to secure back-to-back wins. They claimed their first victory of the new campaign in their last outing, winning 2-0 away to Marumo Gallants with Siphamandla Msezane and Seth Green providing the goals.

The victory took them up from seventh to fourth place in the standings, still unbeaten after
three games with five points claimed so far. Against Sekhukhune, they will be hoping to further cement their place near the top with three points taking them as high as second place.


Head-to-Head
The two sides produced back-to-back stalemates in their two fixtures last season. The first fixture took place at Rand Stadium and finished at a goal apiece, while their latter encounter failed to yield any goals. This broke a run of positive results for the Pirates Reserves, who had won each of their last four games against their Sekhukhune counterparts.

In doing so, they netted nine unanswered goals in what was a dominant start in their rivalry with the Limpopo outfit.


How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves va Sekhukhune Reserves

The match kicks off at 10:00 and will not be televised. You can keep in touch with the action as it happens by following live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms.

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Bucs Reserves Get Off the Mark https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/football-news/bucs-reserves-get-off-the-mark/ Sat, 14 Sep 2024 10:55:56 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=9832 Orlando Pirates Reserves registered their first win of the 2024/25 season of the DStv Diski
Challenge when they beat Marumo Gallants 2-0 in their game played at Central University of
Technology Stadium on Saturday morning.

Heading to Bloemfontein with just two points earned in as many matches, the Bucs Reserves were determined to claim victory against the home side, who were enduring a nightmarish start to their campaign with defeats in each of their two fixtures.


Chances were few and far between throughout the first quarter as the two sides employed a
cautious approach. The Bucs Reserves grew into the contest as time went on with their relentless energy forcing the hosts into a mistake at the half-hour mark when they conceded a free kick in a dangerous position.


The opportunity however came to pass with the ball struck wide of the target from just in
front of goal. This was followed by another close shout six minutes later as Pirates midfielder Simphiwe Masilela worked himself into space, only to be denied by the keeper. With halftime approaching, Siphamandla Msezane was next to test the Gallants’ shot- stopper and was met with the same outcome as he failed to breach his defence. The young Buccaneers continued to search for the breakthrough with Cemran Dansin and Kabelo Moagi combining well to force another save right on the stroke of halftime.


Having spent the opening half camped in the opposition half, it was more of the same at the
start of the second period for the visitors as they continued to pin the hosts back. Dansin
could have provided the breakthrough in the 54th minute when he went through on goal, but
could not convert his opportunity.


The deadlock was however broken on the hour mark when captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi
managed to locate Msezane, who made no mistake as he produced a calm finish to put
Pirates ahead. Despite being a goal ahead, the Buccaneers did not relent on attack as they pursued a
second, coming close through Masilela who did well to get behind the defence before pulling
his shot wide with just the keeper to beat.

Gallants also had a chance to draw level late inthe contest when they were awarded a free kick right in front of the Pirates goal, but could not make it count. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa were left to regret the missed opportunity in the 84th minute as replacement defender Dimpho Madalane combined with fellow second-half sub Seth Green, who had no trouble turning the ball into the net to give the Soweto Giants a comfortable lead going into the game’s closing moments.

The Bucs Reserves remained composed to close out the contest, eventually bagging all
three points to take their tally to five with three games played.

Pirates Reserves XI: Visagie, Mbokazi, Ralenkoane, Selepe, Sibiya (Madalane 69’),
Ngwenya, Moagi (Green 54’), Masilela, Dansin (Mazibuko 69’), Mohlala, Msezane (Williams
89’).

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DDC Preview: Cape Town City https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/news/ddc-preview-cape-town-city-3/ Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:48:27 +0000 https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/?p=9791 Orlando Pirates Reserves are back in DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) action again this weekend, continuing their season with a trip to KwaMhlanga where they square off against Cape Town City on Saturday.

It’s the second of back-to-back DDC festivals to start the 2024/25 campaign, with the action moving from KwaZulu-Natal to Mpumalanga ahead of another exciting showcase of South Africa’s up-and-coming football talent.

Form Guide

Saturday’s fixture is billed as the first home outing for the young Buccaneers, who boast a single point after a stalemate away to AmaZulu. Both sides failed to score in their season opener at King Zwelithini Stadium, which was not short of opportunities at both ends. Finding themselves in seventh place ahead of Match Day 2, Pirates will be eager to begin their ascent to more familiar territory near the top of the table early on in their campaign.

They come up against a City side fresh off a confidence-boosting start to their season after disposing of Sekhukhune United to take up top spot. The Capetonians did so by sending an early warning to their DDC rivals with a commanding 6-2 win over the Limpopo outfit.

A different challenge awaits in KwaMhlanga against a Bucs outfit determined to go all the way this season after a few near misses in the previous campaigns.

Head-to-Head

The Bucs Reserves go into their clash against the Citizens with fairly recent memories of a 3-2 win at Rand Stadium during the latter part of the 2023/24 season. This was courtesy of a brace from Tebogo Masemola, who struck in each half before an injury-time strike from Mehluleli Maphumulo rounded off the scoring for the hosts.

This has however been a tight rivalry in recent years with nothing to choose between the two sides, who each boast two wins in their last six meetings.

Goals scored during this period are evenly shared at six apiece, with the biggest winning margin being two goals, which both teams have achieved once.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Cape Town City Reserves

The match kicks off at 13:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL (202) and the La Liga channel (204). Live updates will be posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media channels.

Entry at the match venue is free.

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