A 20th league win of the season eluded the Buccaneers on their return to Orlando Stadium, as they slumped to a second successive league stalemate. They were able to close off what was a gruelling campaign with an impressive 61 points in their 28 games, where they won 19, drew four, and lost just five times.  

With 90 more minutes to navigate in the 2024/25 season, the hosts were quick to signal their intent. They had a chance moments after the first whistle when the ball was manoeuvred into the direction of Boitumelo Radiopane who set up Patrick Maswanganyi, with the midfielder firing wide with a first-time shot at goal.

The target did not evade Maswanganyi for much longer, as he got on the end of the hosts’ next real chance. It came following a free kick deep in opposition territory, where some trickery outside the box allowed him to approach the penalty area undetected before slotting home to make it 1-0.

Trailing inside the opening 10 minutes, the visitors took time to grow into the contest and were short of real opportunities in their bid to draw level. Their best chance in the first quarter came through a corner in the 17th minute, but it resulted in a comfortable save for Sipho Chaine who immediately launched a quick counter which nearly brought Pirates’ second as Mohau Nkota forced a save from Elvis Chipezeze from point-blank range.

The home side was unrelenting in their pursuit of their second goal of the evening, pushing forward through Relebohile Mofokeng. The 20-year-old linked up with midfielder Thalente Mbatha, who went just inches off target with a right-footed shot that hit the outside of the upright.

Failure to convert opportunities soon haunted the Buccaneers as Dikwena tša Meetse hit back against the run of play in the 32nd minute. Their equaliser came off the boot of Edmore Chirambadare as he got on the end of a quick counter before placing the ball beyond the reach of an outstretched Chaine.

Pirates looked to restore their lead heading into the break, with the visitors proving resolute in defence. The halftime whistle sounded with the two sides still level before the host emerged out the tunnel determined to push their noses back in front.

Skipper Innocent Maela had their first chance of the second half when he headed wide from a difficult angle following a set piece hit towards the back post. His effort was followed by another one with a similar result as Mohau Nkota latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box before scooping it just above the crossbar.

The Bucs winger continued probing and looked to make full use of the space afforded to him by the Magesi defence when cut in from the right flank before going for goal. He was unable to find the target once more, with the ball floating over the bar once more.

Chipezeze was tested eventually, and he pulled off a stop to deny Maswanganyi in the 64th minute before comfortably keeping out a shot from Tshegofatso Mabasa soon after. He was the difference once more for the visitors as Nkota drew another save from him amid a bright passage of play for the home side.

It remained a frustrating evening for Pirates whose last real chance was produced through the combination of Mabasa and Mofokeng, with the latter not finding the target with his last-gasp attempt.

The scoreline was unchanged despite the Soweto Giants’ clear dominance on the night as they failed to sign the season off with victory.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Shandu, Maela (Madiba 66’), Selepe, Mbatha (Dansin 46’), Maswanganyi (Kimvuidi 83’), Nkota (Moleleki 78’), Mofokeng, Radiopane (Mabasa 66’).

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.

Saturday’s result saw the Soweto Giants hit 60 points in the league ahead of their season finale at home to Magesi in midweek. Their opponents meanwhile concluded their campaign with a point that sealed their spot in the top half of the table.

Pirates’ dominant start on the day was only reflected through ball-possession stats as the home side looked the more likely to find an early breakthrough, despite feeding off scraps. AmaZulu had three goal attempts in the opening quarter, with the best of the lot produced through a set piece delivered towards striker Etiosa Ighodaro who rattled the crossbar with a header from close range.

There were two quick chances at the other end where neither one of Deon Hotto and Mohau Nkota managed to trouble Usuthu shot-stopper Richard Ofori. The Namibian had another dig at the ex-Bucs glove man later on, but it was with a tame shot from a fair way out which bounced straight into the Ghanaian’s arms.

The best chance from the Buccaneers came following a set piece in the 44th minute. From the corner,  the ball was worked towards Patrick Maswanganyi who teed up Nkota inside the box but the winger managed to direct his effort just wide of the target.

With no breakthrough in the first half, the second kicked off in a subdued manner with nothing to excite the spectators that had turned up. That spell stretched until the half-hour mark with neither defence truly tested since the restart.

A moment of individual brilliance handed the hosts the lead in the 66th minute when Moremi caught the Bucs defence flat-footed on the flank before forcing an unlucky deflection off Maswanganyi, who directed the ball into his own net.

Pirates’ pursuit for the equaliser was interrupted by a few bright moments from Usuthu as they sought to stretch their lead. The visitors did come close to cancelling out the lead when Mofokeng linked up with replacement striker Boitumelo Radiopane, who volleyed just wide in the 76th minute.

The despair of the missed opportunity only lasted for mere seconds, resulting from AmaZulu’s failure to clear their lines following a set piece. The ball landed kindly for Simphiwe Selepe, who beat the outstretched Andile Mbanjwa with first-time shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Chaine had to field a threatening moment from the hosts late in the contest, and managed to ensure that the Bucs defence came out of a nervy finish unscathed. The match finished with action at the other end, where Pirates’ desperate search for a late winner was thwarted by the home side’s defence.

The spoils were shared after the final whistle as the Soweto Giants collected their seventh point in three league matches played in Durban.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Mbokazi (Xoki 21’), Van Rooyen, Hotto, Selepe, Mbatha, Maswanganyi (Kimvuidi 68’), Nkota (Moleleki 82’), Mofokeng, Mabasa (Radiopane 68’).

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’

What kicked off with 32 teams from the various divisions of South African football is set up for a spectacular finish with a showpiece finale. It’s an epic curtain call featuring the country’s two biggest teams, who will be writing another chapter in the storied history of their iconic rivalry. 

Form Guide

Pirates are but one match away from a third straight title, with their biggest rivals standing between them and a historic feat. Their title defence kicked off just south of Saturday’s venue, where they defeated Richards Bay 3-1 to march to the Round of 16.

Victories against Baroka and SuperSport United in the subsequent rounds ensured passage to the semifinals, where they overcame the challenge of Marumo Gallants to secure their spot in the last two.

It has been nearly a month to the day since that triumph over the Free State outfit, and Jose Riveiro’s troops have been kept busy by an unrelenting schedule which has divided their attention between two other competitions. They exited the CAF Champions League in the semifinal stage after following up a goalless draw at home against Egyptian outfit Pyramids with a 3-2 defeat on the road.

That disappointment should nonetheless be diminished somewhat by recent successful outings in their domestic league, where they defeated Saturday’s opponents before overcoming Durban outfit Lamontville Golden Arrows in a game played on the very turf they will be stepping on for the final.

While the combination of the two matches will have provided a useful dress rehearsal for the big date, Pirates will take nothing for granted as they come up against a Chiefs side that will be determined to break a lengthy spell without silverware. Amakhosi come into the fixture well-rested after sitting out midweek league action.

Their defeat to Pirates was their second since eliminating last season’s Nedbank Cup runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns in a dramatic 2-1 victory at Loftus Versfeld. It’s a result that underlined what has been a dominant run in the tournament, which began with a 4-0 drubbing of third tier outfit Free Agents before convincing wins against Premiership rivals Chippa United and Stellenbosch.

Having endured a run of three league games without a win while building up to the final, Nasreddine Nabi’s men will welcome the change in competition. They will need no extra motivation to turn their fortunes around in a memorable manner as they are presented with an opportunity to halt their rivals’ dominance in the competition while ending their own trophy drought. 

Team News

There are significant boosts in playing personnel for both camps heading into the final. Chiefs forward Wandile Duba is among those making a well-timed return from suspension, having missed the league derby.

The hosts do, however, have a key player unavailable for the match in defender Bradley Cross, who was sent off after picking up two yellow cards at FNB Stadium.

Pirates, on the other hand have a player returning from a red-card suspension, with defender Nkosinathi Sibisi back in contention for a spot in the match-day squad after serving a two-match ban. He is joined by midfielder Thalente Mbatha, who had sat out the midweek outing at Moses Mabhida due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Key Players

Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates): The Nedbank Cup has brought the best out of the Bucs playmaker, whose five goal contributions is the highest tally this season. The goal in midweek will have added an extra spring to Maswanganyi’s step heading into the big finale against a side he has already proven decisive in beating this season. 

Pule Mmodi (Kaizer Chiefs): Much like Maswanganyi, the Chiefs winger has stood out in this particular competition and will want to cap a fine campaign with a strong performance in the final. He is joint-highest in the goal-scoring charts with four goals, and the threat he poses on the flanks could prove crucial in his side’s attempts to unlock the Pirates defence.

Head-to-Head

Confidence should be high in the Bucs camp after completing back-to-back league doubles over their Soweto rivals with last weekend’s win at FNB Stadium. Added to their recent derby dominance in the Premiership is their most recent Nedbank Cup triumph over Chiefs in the semifinals of the 2022/23 edition.

However, their opponents have historical favour to bank on, having had the upper hand in Nedbank Cup finals between the two sides since their first such encounter in 1971. A total of six finals have gone the way of Amakhosi, while the Buccaneers boast two victories.

The last of these finals occurred nearly 20 years ago, and Pirates will take some heart from their success in recent cup results after posting wins in five of the last six derbies across various cup competitions dating back to the 2015/16 season. Chiefs only success in this period was at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where they held their nerve in the penalty shootout to progress to the final of the 2019/20 League Cup.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The Nedbank Cup final is scheduled to kick off at 15:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. Orlando Pirates will also provide live updates posted across the Club’s social media platforms.

Tickets to attend the match are sold out.

The victory brought up back-to-back away wins for the visitors, who crossed the 50-point mark with 23 matches played in the current Premiership campaign. They extended the misery of the hosts, who slumped to a third consecutive loss to remain near the bottom of the standings in 14th place.

Sporting several changes from the side that triumphed in the weekend’s Soweto Derby, plenty was demanded from the Bucs defence early on as the home side came out guns blazing. Goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi was called upon to make a couple of stops in the opening three minutes, keeping out Nhlanhla Zwane’s shot from the left flank before getting a crucial touch to knock a threatening cross from the right out of Velemseni Ndwandwe’s reach.

Bandile Shandu spurned an opportunity when the action swiftly shifted to the other end of the pitch, hooking his shot well off target after getting on the end of a clever flick from Patrick Maswanganyi. The Bucs playmaker was again in the heat of the action, playing a lovely cutback towards Kabelo Dlamini, whose effort from the edge of the box met an unkind deflection amid a sea of green shirts inside the penalty area.

That initial wave of attack proved to be a rare bright period for Pirates, with Arrows grabbing the reins for much of the first half. The hosts camped inside the Buccaneers’ half, getting close to opening the scoring through a couple of wide attempts from Zwane and Siyanda Mthanti.

The former had a shot on target around the half-hour mark, with the help of a deflection which made things slightly trickier for Buthelezi. The shot-stopper was however equal to the task, crouching low to make a fairly comfortable save.

A few half chances landed the way of the Soweto Giants late in the opening half, but they were not able to capitalise as things remained deadlocked on the halfway mark. The scoreline only remained that way for only five minutes after the restart, as Pirates found the bit of clinical play that had eluded them in the previous half.

They edged ahead when a defence-splitting pass from Dlamini found Maswanganyi who rounded goalkeeper Edward Maova to set himself up for a clear shot at goal, making no mistake as he slotted home with his left foot.

It could have been 2-0 not long after, as Shandu connected with an excellent long ball from replacement midfielder Simphiwe Selepe before knocking the ball over the crossbar.

Pirates would live to regret that moment, with the home side drawing level in the next minute. Their goal came off the boot of Siyanda Mthanti, who finished on the near post after running onto a cross from Ndwandwe.

Chances at goal were scant in the following 10 minutes, which featured a few physical confrontations with Karim Kimvuidi and Paseka Mako falling on the receiving end of a few reckless challenges.

The set piece resulting from the latter foul led to an opportunity as the home side failed to clear convincingly. Pirates kept the ball alive, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi finding Tshegofatso Mabasa inside the box, and the striker volleyed into the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the 72nd minute.

Following his first league assist, the young centre-back spotted an opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet in the last 10 minutes. This was when he made a strong run down the middle of the pitch, unleashing a powerful shot which stung Maova’s gloves. His was not the only Bucs chance in the dying moments as Dlamini set up Mabasa with three minutes left to play, with the striker’s attempt going narrowly wide.

Buthelezi was called upon late in injury time, diving low to keep out a shot that had the potential to deny the visitors maximum points. That turned out to be the home side’s best chance at salvaging something from the contest, with Pirates doing enough to prevail in the first of two must-win fixtures in Durban.

Pirates XI: Buthelezi, Xoki, Mbokazi, Van Rooyen (Ndlozi 74’), Madiba (Nkota 74’), Makhaula (Selepe 46’), Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Shandu (Mako 61’), Kimvuidi, Radiopane (Mabasa 61’).

The Moses Mabhida Stadium hosts this crucial league encounter, originally scheduled to get underway earlier in the year. It’s all-systems-go this time around with the Buccaneers stepping on the famous turf for the first of two massive outings lined up at the World Cup venue this week.

Form Guide

The attention is fully on the midweek assignment and the three points on offer, with the Soweto Giants continuing in their quest to close the gap between themselves and the log leaders. They are 12 points adrift in second place, following a come-from-behind Soweto Derby win against rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium over the weekend.

That not only handed them important points and bragging rights, but also stretched their unbeaten run on the road to four matches where they have won three and drawn just once. Another winning performance in Durban will see them hit three consecutive away wins for the first time in the ongoing season.

In their 11 league fixtures away from home, Pirates have emerged on the winning side seven times with one draw and three defeats. They stand to cross the 50-point mark in their overall tally should they overcome Arrows on Tuesday.

A combination of unpredictability and some desperation from their hosts could however make that task even trickier. Arrows come into the clash amid a run of four matches without a win, having suffered back-to-back defeats at home to AmaZulu and Stellenbosch over the past week. It’s an unwanted streak that has placed them near the basement in 14th place, also making them the worst-performing side on home soil at this point of the campaign.

They have only claimed a lowly 14 points through three wins and five draws at home, and have endured a goal drought as hosts since last finding the net in a 2-1 win over Chiefs at Moses Mabhida in March. While inspiration has been scant in recent weeks, a return to the same venue could provide a much-needed spark as they look to vanquish another Soweto Giant. 

Team News

At least one change will be made to the Pirates team that lined up in Soweto on Saturday, with suspension ruling out a couple of first-team regulars.

Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi remains out as he serves the second game in his two-match suspension. He is joined on the sidelines by midfielder Thalente Mbatha who is unavailable only for this match following his caution in the Derby, which triggered a one-match ban.

Their hosts will also be missing a key member of their playing personnel in attacking midfielder Blessing Mchunu. The 25-year-old is ruled out for the fixture after picking up his fourth yellow of the season in the defeat to Stellenbosch.

Key Players

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates): So far in his short career, the teenager has displayed the ability to adapt to all sorts of challenges and faces another different prospect on his return to his home province. Mbokazi has not only proven defensively sound, but makes notable contributions on attack through his pinpoint passing from an array of angles.

Velemseni Ndwandwe (Golden Arrows): The Arrows midfield workhorse has been one of the KZN side’s most reliable players, featuring for the full 90 in each of the 19 league matches he’s appeared in this season. Ndwandwe’s relentless engine makes him a driving force in the centre of the park, capable of impacting both ends of the pitch.

Head-to-Head

With this being the first encounter between the two sides this season, their last clash may seem a distant memory, but that is likely not the case for both sets of players given the remarkable scoreline on the day. On that occasion, Pirates emerged victorious by some margin in claiming a 7-1 win, with Tshegofatso Mabasa netting three of the goals scored.

It was their fourth consecutive triumph against the Durbanites, who have now gone four years since registering a win. The Buccaneers have also rather unsurprisingly dominated the goal-scoring charts, accounting for 14 of the 17 goals scored in the six encounters since that upset at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The fixture kicks off at 19:30 and will be televised live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will also be provided across all Orlando Pirates social media channels.

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.

José Riveiro has informed management of his decision not to renew his contract beyond its current term. The Spanish mentor’s contract is due to expire at the end of this current campaign.

His professionalism and commitment to the Club’s best interests prompted a timely announcement, ensuring business as usual for the remainder of the season while simultaneously creating an opportunity for the Club to prepare for the future.

In accordance with the coach’s wishes, the Club will refrain from making detailed pronouncements at this time, reserving comprehensive tributes for a more appropriate occasion.

“While we would have liked José to extend his stay with us, at the same time, we fully respect his decision. We are grateful for everything he has done for the Club.” stated Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza.

“The achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves. The joy that José and his support staff have brought to this Club will never be forgotten.

“The Club’s immediate priority will be two-fold. Firstly, in keeping with his wishes, we will find the appropriate time to fully express our appreciation of José and his contribution to the Club but secondly, for the football department to begin the extensive exercise of finding a suitable replacement ahead of the 2025/26 season.

“We appreciate the three years of service that José has given this institution and fully support his decision. Wherever his journey takes him, he must know that the Orlando Pirates family will always be behind him.”

Due to the club’s involvement in three crucial competitions, further news on this matter will be addressed at the end of the season. For the next two months, the Club appeals to the supporters to fully support the coach and his team.

Updates on any significant developments will be communicated in due course.

It’s a do-or-die clash between two sides that have achieved the rare feat of going back-to-back in terms of success in the competition. While the home side attempt to scale a significant hurdle in their bid to reclaim a crown they last held in 2017, their opponents go into the crucial encounter looking to emulate the legendary Bucs side of the 1970s in securing a hat-trick of titles.

Form Guide

Pirates cantered past the two opening rounds of this year’s  competition, netting six goals while conceding just twice across the two matches. They beat Premiership rivals Richards Bay 3-1 away from home before producing the same scoreline in their Round of 16 clash against Championship outfit Baroka. Those victories added to their impressive streak in the prestigious tournament, which they have dominated in recent years.

Overall form however has been a little on the indifferent side for Jose Riveiro’s troops in recent weeks. They have twice been on the losing side in the past month, going down to Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants with both matches played away from home. There have been four victories amid the disappointments including Wednesday’s 1-0 triumph against Chippa United – their second away win during this period.

Their cup exploits have now seen their return to the scene of league wins against Magesi and Sekhukhune United earlier this season. It is where they will be locking horns with a Matsatsansa outfit emerging from a goalless draw at home to AmaZulu in midweek, just days after falling to a 1-0 defeat away to Magesi at a venue not too far from the one that will be serving as their home base for the cup quarter-final.

The Tshwane outfit’s route to the last eight has not been too dissimilar from that of their next opponents as it consisted of fixtures against opposition from each of the two top tiers in South African football. United brushed off the challenge of Magesi in their opener – winning 2-0 on the road – before a rather tight home encounter against Championship outfit Cape Town Spurs, which was decided in the penultimate minute of extra time through a Lebohang Maboe strike that made it 2-1. The latter result is just one of only two positive outcomes in the span of a month for Gavin Hunt’s men, with the other one being a convincing 4-1 win against a 10-man Kaizer Chiefs.

Having tasted success against one of the Soweto Giants, they will be encouraged to put on a performance that could mark their return to the semifinals after failing to do so since they last went all the way to clinch the title.

Team News

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is back in contention for a spot in the Buccaneers’ match day squad after not making the midweek trip to the Eastern Cape due to suspension. There will however be a forced reshuffling of the defensive line, with Nkosinathi Sibisi ruled out after picking up a one-match ban through an accumulation of yellow cards on Wednesday.

Pirates have also had to contend with a few injuries in recent times, with influential midfielder Patrick Maswangany among those not likely to feature while defender Olisa Ndah and striker Zakhele Lepasa have made steady progress since being sidelined.

Meanwhile Hunt remains a most prominent absentee for the home side. The veteran tactician was sent off during the league loss to Magesi and will be serving the second game in his two-match suspension.

Key Players

Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates): The 20-year-old has stepped up to the plate, embracing the added responsibilities that come with his ever-evolving role in the team. Fresh off adding another assist to his tally, Mofokeng is one of many potent attacking threats in the Bucs setup and boasts an impressive 20 goal contributions in just 33 games across competitions.

Samir Nurkovic (SuperSport United): One of the new faces in the blue of Matsatsansa, the Serb has not hesitated to make an impact in his new surroundings. The 32-year-old is adept at finishing with either foot while posing a significant threat aerially and has already had a hand in four goals in his eight appearances for United.

Head-to-Head

While the two sides have been neck-and-neck in the league over the years, it’s Matsatsansa who have had the upper hand in their most recent Nedbank Cup encounters. They prevailed over the Buccaneers in back-to-back finals, clinching the title in 2016 and 2017.

Nevertheless, winning momentum in the ongoing season is currently with the Soweto Giants, who have registered wins over their Tshwane counterparts in both cup and league football. They claimed a 3-1 win in the MTN8 quarter-final back in August, and were again victorious by a similar margin when they netted two unanswered goals to claim all three points in a Premiership encounter that took place two months later.

Both those wins however occurred at Orlando Stadium, where they have won regularly against United. Their record against them on the road has been a direct contrast to their home success, and they now head into Saturday’s do-or-die victory still in search of their first away win since November 2024.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The game kicks off at 15:00 and will be televised live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. You can also follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the match are available for purchase online at TicketPro and selected outlets nationwide.

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’).

Chaine will miss the opportunity to face his former employers because of a one match suspension.  The former Chilli Boy collected his fourth booking in Pirates’ loss to Gallants over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Bucs medical team has confirmed with Orlandopiratesfc.com that Tito – who missed out on the clash against Gallants, continues to undergo rehabilitation from an injury he suffered in Bucs’ 2-1 win against Cape Town City last week.

“Tito sustained a grade one strain in our match against Cape Town City. We will continue to monitor his situation and provide the technical team daily updates on his progress,” reads the report.

The medical department has also provided updates on the rest of the squad players:

Miguel Timm (Ankle)

Currently undergoing on-field rehabilitation work while also attending physiotherapy sessions. He is expected to return to full training in 7-14 days.

Thabiso Monyane (Hamstring)

Has started field-based rehabilitation with emphasis on agility, aerobic endurance and accelerations and decelerations. To start high-speed running next week.

Zakhele Lepasa (Ankle)

Has started field-based training with the strength and conditioning team.

Olisa Ndah (Shin)

Has completed his rehabilitation and has returned to full training. Currently on working on his match fitness.

Thabiso Lebitso (Ankle)

Continues to undergo treatment post-surgery. Attending Physiotherapy sessions for acute management.

Thabiso Sesane (Achillies)

Like Lebitso, Sesane also underwent a successful procedure and is currently undergoing treatment while attending Physiotherapy sessions for acute management

The hosts’ relentless fight earned them valuable three points halfway through their campaign while piling misery on their opponents, who could not climb from the bottom half of the table. The result kept the Soweto Giants within touching distance of the table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns.

It was a second outing at Orlando Stadium in as many weeks for the Buccaneers, but their first in the league since December. They initailly struggled to entertain the large crowd that had shown up, despite camping in the opposition half for much of the opening exchanges.

City goalkeeper Darren Keet had a say early on as he comfortably dealt with shots from Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng. Much of the first quarter followed a similar theme as Pirates fed off scraps as far as clear-cut opportunities were concerned.

They were caught against the run of play in the 21st minute when City made the most of a rare chance at goal. The final touch came off Haashim Domingo, who got on the end of a cross from Prins Tjiueza after the Namibian had found a way behind the Pirates defence on the left.

The Buccaneers’ early attempts at finding an equaliser proved futile, as the visitors kept their defensive shape. At the other end, Sipho Chaine was called into action just after the half-hour mark when he was forced low to his right to keep out a shot from Tjiueza.

Shots kept flying towards the Citizen’s goal for the rest of the first period, with Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi both coming close without troubling the scorers. The halftime whistle sounded with the home side still trailing as the Capetonians went within 45 minutes of a league double.

However, there was more purpose to the Soweto Giants’ approach in the second period as Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha continued the bombardment of Keet’s goal with efforts from a fair way out. Fresh legs were introduced soon after the hour mark with Mohau Nkota taking to the field alongside Goodman Mosele, who was making his first appearance of the season following an injury lay-off.

It was the 20-year-old winger who made an immediate impact, popping up on the left before beating his marker to deliver a cutback towards Tshegofatso Mabasa. The striker only needed a single touch to impact the scoresheet, guiding his shot past the City shot-stopper to draw level in the 67th minute.

Phillip Ndlondlo could have placed his name in the scorecard soon after coming on when he unleashed a powerful shot which was blocked by Keet. His side remained unrelenting in their pursuit of the winner, sending wave after wave of attack deep into City territory.

Something was to give, and it did with only three minutes of regulation time remaining. It was Mosele who got the decisive touch this time around as he sent the ball over the goal line from close range in the second time of asking after a scramble inside the visitors’ box.

City immediately went in search of the equaliser, with Tjiueza spurning a chance at goal after finding a way past the defence. It turned out to be the final opportunity for the men from the Cape, with the Buccaneers digging deep to secure a crucial victory.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Xoki, Sibisi, Van Rooyen (Ndlozi 75’), Hotto, Mbatha (Makgopa 75’), Makhaula (Mosele 62’), Maswanganyi (Nkota 62’), Shandu (Ndlondlo 68’), Mofokeng, Mabasa.

The Bucs medical team has ruled out Thabiso Sesane and Thalente Mbatha to face the Brazilians.

Sesane has been ruled out after suffering a ruptured tendon during Pirates’ hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United midweek. The injury, which occurred early in the match, has left the young defender in need of surgery.

Meanwhile, Mbatha, the dynamic midfielder and Bafana Bafana international, has also been sidelined after failing a late fitness test. Mbatha picked up his injury during the same match against Sekhukhune, following a collision with an opposition player as he attempted to shoot at goal.

While scans have thankfully ruled out any fractures, the discomfort in his foot has proven too much to overcome in time for today’s clash. 

The Bucs medical team has been working tirelessly to get Mbatha back on the pitch, but the decision has been made to prioritise his recovery. He will now focus on rehabilitation in the coming days, with hopes of a swift return to action. 

In the context of the ongoing quest for league supremacy, it is undoubtedly the biggest clash thus far with its outcome holding the potential to determine the shape of the title race. It is a battle between the two teams occupying the highest spots in the standings, both approaching the halfway mark of their respective campaigns.

Form Guide

Pirates are the side heading into the clash with a bit of ground to make in the title race as they are placed right below their table-topping rivals. Six points separate the two sides with the Buccaneers going in with a game in hand, and the gap in points could be halved by the end of the weekend should things go in their favour in Tshwane.

They have worked up some winning momentum on their return to league football, overcoming rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a dramatic Soweto Derby on Saturday before triumphing over Sekhukhune United in tricky circumstances in Polokwane. This proved to be a welcome set of results for Jose Riveiro’s men who have now bagged 12 out of an available 15 points from their last five games.

In doing so, they remain among the top three teams in terms of the highest points tally away from home. Their four victories and one defeat on the road have earned them an impressive 12 points and place them just behind Sundowns and Stellenbosch when it comes to the league’s best travellers this season.

They however have the unenviable task of inflicting a first home defeat to a side yet to drop points in seven home league fixtures in their backyard. It’s a record that has been key to the hosts’ positioning in the log, with their only defeat throughout the season occurring on the road.

They approach the match against the Buccaneers on a roll, having won all of the nine matches played since they last failed to get over the line in the Premiership. While they have been dominant throughout, recent form will be sure to give them an extra boost in confidence following their commanding performances against Lamontville Golden Arrows and SuperSport United – against whom they netted a total of seven unanswered goals across their two outings over the past week.

Team News

Defender Thabiso Sesane is a worry for Pirates ahead of their trip across the Jukskei River. The 24-year-old only lasted 18 minutes in the victory over Babina Noko and could sit out the trip to Loftus.

The experienced Tapelo Xoki – brought on in his place in midweek – is among the likely options along with club captain Innocent Maela. Also waiting in the wings is Olisa Ndah who is making his way back to match-fitness, having resumed training.

For Sundowns, central midfielder Bathusi Aubaas adds to Miguel Cardoso’s options in the heart of the action. The 29-year-old has served a two-match suspension after he was given his marching orders during Sundowns’ 5-2 win against Sibanye in the Nedbank Cup. They will however be without veteran attacker Themba Zwane, who has been out of action since pulling up injured while on national duty in October.

Key Players

Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates): Ever present in the Bucs lineup is the Namibian stalwart, who displayed his class and versatility once again with an impactful display in midweek. The 34-year-old has mainly started in defence but slots in effortlessly on attack, and his goal and assist against Sekhukhune have propelled him to double figures in goal contributions this season.

Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns): While it’s still early days in his Sundowns career, Matthews has not hesitated to show why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the country. He has made a number of impressive cameos throughout the season, and made a strong case for a second consecutive start in the league when he netted a brace in the Tshwane Derby, taking his league tally to four goals along as many assists in just eight appearances.

Head-to-Head

Pirates returned with a single point from their last league visit to Loftus, despite finishing the game a man short. Midfielder Miguel Timm was sent off early in the second half with the hosts capitalising on their numerical advantage through a goal from Marcelo Allende soon after, but a late Tapelo Xoki strike from the penalty spot ensured a share of the spoils. This meant that they avoided conceding the dreaded league double, having fallen short in the reverse fixture at Orlando Stadium.

While some recent success – which includes back-to-back cup finals – could give the Soweto Giants some confidence, it has been one-way traffic in favour of their Tshwane counterparts in the league. As a result, Pirates will be chasing their first league triumph in the fixture since January 2020.

In games played in the country’s capital, the Brazilians have enjoyed a slight edge in the past decade winning eight of the 20 fixtures while the Buccaneers boast six wins with the other six matches finishing level.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. Live updates will be provided across all Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the match are sold out.

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.

The blockbuster encounter kicks February’s football action off in spectacular fashion as the two biggest sporting brands in South Africa look to write another chapter in the country’s marquee sporting rivalry. It is the first match in a demanding eight-day stretch for the Buccaneers, who have more tricky assignments on the road in the coming week.

Form Guide

Focus however remains on Saturday’s battle for three crucial league points which arrives with the hosts looking to close the gap on the current log leaders, while their visitors attempt to continue their ascent up the table. Expectations from both sets of fans will be high heading into this particular fixture after some confidence-boosting performances over the weekend.

The Buccaneers were away to Richards Bay for their Nedbank Cup opener and returned with a straightforward 3-1 victory. It was their third cup fixture in a row – following a strong finish to the CAF Champions League group stage – and their third away victory after similar results against CR Belouizdad and Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

José Riveiro’s troops now return to league football six points adrift from the table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns, who also have a game in hand. The gap could have been narrower if not for a slip-up on the road in their last Premiership encounter where they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City. That defeat was their second in their last five league games with the other also occurring through an identical scoreline, this time at home to Stellenbosch.

The other three matches during this stretch of fixtures have all ended favourably for the Sea Robbers, who have displayed a ruthless streak at times with 12 goals scored in thsi trio of victories that included an 8-1 thumping of Marumo Gallants in what remains their last home league outing.

Their fiercest rivals are the next side to step on their turf, and arrive on the back of a commanding 4-0 win at FNB Stadium against lower league outfit, Free Agents in the Nedbank Cup. It was their second win in as many matches after overcoming a 10-man Sekhukhune United at home in the Premiership the previous week.

Unlike the Sea Robbers, the bulk of Amakhosi’s outings this year have come in the league where they currently sit in fifth place after 14 games played. Their recent form has been just as up and down however, with three wins and two defeats in their last five.

It would not be completely amiss to blame their inconsistent form on recent woes in front of goal, as Chiefs have only found the net four times in five league matches. However, their convincing triumph against the minnows from Eersterust could be the tonic needed to produce a winning performance against their Soweto rivals.

Team News

The in-form Wandile Duba is unlikely to feature for Chiefs after lasting only 45 minutes in their Nedbank Cup triumph. He is a doubt for the clash after picking up a knee injury while his side has been dealt a further blow through suspension, with new signing Tashreeq Morris forced to wait for his Amakhosi debut as he serves a two-match ban after he was red-carded in what turned out to be his final SuperSport United appearance.

The 30-year-old forward is among three new names in the away side’s roster, along with midfielder Thabo Cele and Congolese winger Glody Lilepo. Pirates have had some activity of their own in the recently-concluded transfer window with Katlego Otladisa and Gilberto both out on loan at Sekhukhune United and Petro de Luanda, respectively.

A noteworthy boost for the home side comes in the form of defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, who is again eligible for selection. The defender sat out the trip to KZN, serving out his one-match suspension picked up through an accumulation of yellow cards.

Key Players

Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates): The 20-year-old already possesses an impressive catalog of standout performances in big games, and could add a Soweto Derby masterclass to the list. Effective across the attacking third, he comes into the fixture in impressive form after scoring in three consecutive CAF Champions League matches before bagging two Nedbank Cup assists in Pirates’ most recent outing.

Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs): Shabalala has long established himself as one to look out for in the future, and appears to be making significant strides towards realising his early promise. At 21, the young forward is one of Chiefs’ most influential attackers and his effect in the final third is reflected through six goal contributions this season.

Head-to-Head

The Soweto Derby has rarely been accused of not living up to its prestigious billing and its most recent editions have more than delivered the expected fireworks. Saturday’s encounter will be taking place nearly six years to the day since the fixture last failed to produce a winner.

It was Pirates who emerged victorious home and away last season, beating Chiefs 1-0 through Evidence Makgopa’s first-half strike before completing the double by edging a 3-2 thriller, twice coming from behind before pulling clear. Those two results mean that they go into the upcoming clash with a three-match winning streak across competitions, having also triumphed in their most recent cup encounter.

While Saturday’s hosts hold the bragging rights, their home derbies have been tight of late as far as head-to-head results are concerned. Each side has won seven out of the last 20 such encounters, sharing the spoils on six occasions. The visitors slightly edge the goal-scoring stakes with 25 goals to the Buccaneers’ 24.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 15:30 with fans encouraged to arrive early to avoid delays.  The match will be broadcast on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1.

Tickets to attend the fixture are sold out.

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.

Joining Orlando Pirates in the Quarterfinals are Al Ahly, Al Hilal, AS Far, ES Tunis, Pyramids, Mamelodi Sundowns, and MC Alger.

Here is a recap of the Group Stages:

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Highest Scoring Match: Al Ahly vs CR Belouizdad – 6:1

Top Goal Scorer: Wessam Abu Ali (Al Ahly) & Emam Ashour (Al Ahly) – 4   

Most Assists: Meziane Bentahar (CR Belouizdad) – 5

Undefeated: Orlando Pirates & FAR Rabat – 0

Best Attack: Al Ahly & Pyramids FC – 14

Best Defence:  MC Alger – 2

Worst Attack: Djoliba – 0

Worst Defence: Stade d’Abidjan – 18

Most Points: Orlando Pirates – 14

Least Points: Stade d’Abidjan – 1

Most Wins: Orlando Pirates, ES Tunis & Pyramids FC – 4

STATS CORNER – INDIVIDUAL

Most Shots Taken:  Jephte Kitambala Bola (Maniema) – 28

Most Shots on Target: Wessam Abu Ali (Al Ahly) – 12

Most Key Passes: Youcef Belaili (ES Tunis) – 21

Most Passes: Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns) – 454

Most Passes In Final Third: Relebohile Mofokeng (Pirates) – 96

Most Fouled Player:  Dabanda (Sagrada) – 21

Most Fouls Committed: Andy Delot (MC Alger) – 19

Most Ball Recoveries: KenanGlougbe (Djoliba) – 48

Most Touches In Opp Box: Jephte Kitambala Bola (Maniema) – 44

STATS CORNER – TEAM (TOP 3)

Most Touches: 1.Mamelodi Sundowns (4117); 2. Orlando Pirates (4100); 3. Al Ahly (4030)

Passes In Final Third: 1. Mamelodi Sundowns (495); 2. Orlando Pirates (478); Al Ahly (448)

xG: 1. ES Tunis (11.2); 2. Al Ahly (10.5) 3. CR Belouizdad (8.3)

xA: 1. ES Tunis (8.2); 2. Al Ahly (7.2); 3. CR Belouizdad (6.2)

Most Shots On Target: 1. Al Ahly (40); 2. ES Tunis (33); 3. CR Belouizdad (28)

Most Shots Off Target: 1. Djoliba (43); 2. Maniema Union (41); 3. CR Belouizdad (38)

The two African giants are separated by only a single point heading into the encounter with the Buccaneers leading the charge. Meanwhile, the chasing pack –  in the form of Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and Ivorian outfit Stade d’Abidjan – is out of the race.

While the two crucial qualifying slots have been occupied with a game to spare, there is still more than enough motivation for each side to put on a determined effort on the final match day. First place is up for grabs with Pirates also going in with the added incentive of finishing the group stage unbeaten.

This has been echoed by defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, who has led the team out throughout this stage of the competition.

“The team is highly motivated when we go into a game against Al Ahly,” he told orlandopiratesfc.com. “We want to finish the group unbeaten and we’d like to finish at the top of our group. I think that’s our main objective. We’re aiming to get a positive result here in Cairo.”

As one of South Africa’s two representatives in the tournament, the Buccaneers are also the source of national pride. Sibisi believes a positive result against the defending champions, who began the campaign as group favourites, will hold great significance.

“Our main concern is getting a positive result here and hopefully, it will be good enough to finish the group unbeaten,” he said. “That’s our focus and we want to represent our country and make our country proud.”

The highly-anticipated fixture kicks off at 18:00 and will be televised live on SuperSport Variety 54 (209) and SABC 2.

It’s the Bucs Reserves’ first home fixture of the new year and an opportunity to trigger a run of consistent results as the season approaches its halfway mark. They are presented with a tricky challenge in the form of a side with a similar agenda after a tough start to the campaign.

Form Guide

Pirates kicked the year off with another disappointing result, going down 2-1 away to Mamelodi Sundowns. This made it three games without a win, having also lost to Kaizer Chiefs in a game that was preceded by a stalemate against Richards Bay.

The point earned against the Natal Rich Boyz was the Buccaneers’ fourth in their last five fixtures, with the rest coming courtesy of an away victory over defending champions Stellenbosch. It’s a turn of form that has placed them in eighth position in the standings, 11 points behind the log leaders.

Returning to the Vaal after two tough away fixtures could be just the spark needed by the Soweto Giants, who have fared slightly better at home throughout the season. They have recorded a single home defeat since kicking off their campaign but have mainly struggled to get over the line, securing just two wins while drawing their other three games.

Their next opponents are a side that has had bigger struggles on the road, last earning an away point in September last year. Polokwane come into the fixture on the back of five straight defeats as the visiting team and are 12th in the standings.

They began the new year with a goalless stalemate at home to Chippa United, ending a losing streak that had stretched to three matches. Like Pirates, they have earned just four points in their five most recent outings but could fancy their chances of bagging their first win since early November.

Head-to-Head

The visitors will take some confidence into Saturday’s match, following their success when they last encountered the young Buccaneers. This is after taking full advantage of their numerical advantage to net an injury time winner after Jabulani Mokone was sent off midway through the second half.

The reverse fixture had gone the way of the Soweto Giants, who had cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win at Rand Stadium with Ciniso Mazibuko, Mehluleli Maphumulo, and Mpumelelo Ndaba all finding the net.

Despite trading equal blows last season, it is the hosts who maintain a positive record in the fixture with four wins in the last five encounters. They also lead comfortably in the goal-scoring stakes, having scored 10 goals while only conceding twice during this period.

How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Polokwane 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.

However, any notion that the upcoming clash between the Mighty Buccaneers and the Red Devils is a mere formality would be a gross miscalculation. With the top spot in Group C still up for grabs, this weekend’s match promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Battle for Group Supremacy

As it stands, Orlando Pirates lead the group with 11 points from five matches, while Al Ahly trail closely behind with 10 points after the same number of matches. This sets the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown on Saturday, with both teams vying for the coveted first-place finish.

First or Second?

With both teams competing on multiple fronts in their respective domestic campaigns, one might expect the coaches to rotate their squads to ease the burden of a congested schedule. However, this is highly unlikely given the significance of finishing atop the group.

A first-place finish guarantees a seeded position in the knockout draw, ensuring a clash against a second-placed team from another group. Additionally, the seeded team enjoys the advantage of hosting the decisive second leg in the knockout rounds.

But is this truly an advantage?

Historical trends suggest otherwise. Over the last seven editions of the CAF Champions League, only three champions finished first in their group. The remaining four winners emerged from second place.

Interestingly, the last time Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly crossed paths in this competition was in 2013. Both teams advanced from Group A, which also included Egyptian giants Zamalek and AC Leopards. That year, they met again in the final, adding another layer of intrigue to this storied rivalry.

As we prepare for this pivotal encounter, here’s an in-depth preview of what fans can expect.

Current Form (Last Five Matches): W–W–W–L-D

Al Ahly enters this match in fine form, having secured a 2-0 victory over El Gouna in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday. Star man Emam Ashour scored both goals, showcasing his importance to the team.

The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions, scoring seven goals and conceding just two in the process.

Home Fortress

Under Marcel Koller, Al Ahly have been formidable at home, remaining undefeated across all competitions this season.

Of the matches that they have played at home, Ahly have scored 23 goals and only conceded 6 times. And in the Champions League its 10 goals scored and only 3 goals conceded in the matches against Stade d’Abidjan (4-2) and CR Belouizdad (6-1).

Stats Corner

• Chance Creation (1st): Al Ahly lead the competition, creating 10.8 chances per game.

• Expected Goals (2nd): They boast an impressive xG of 1.69, trailing only ES Tunis (1.72). Orlando Pirates are third with 1.33.

• Shots (1st): Al Ahly average 14 shots per game, the highest in the tournament, nearly double the total of 16th-placed FC Rabat (7.8). Pirates rank 6th.

• Shots on Target: Ahly top this category too, averaging 6.8 shots on target per match, compared to Pirates’ 4.4 (3rd place).

• Key Contributors: Emam Ashour and Wessam Abou Ali account for 50% of Al Ahly’s shots, with Ashour averaging 4 shots per game and Ali 3.5.

Key Players

Emam Ashour

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder is Al Ahly’s talisman. Despite disciplinary issues earlier this season that led to his suspension, Ashour has rebounded spectacularly. He’s the creative heartbeat of the team, contributing four goals in the CAF Champions League and 12 goal involvements across 16 matches in all competitions.

Marwan Attia

If Ashour is the heart of Al Ahly, Marwan Attia is the brain. At 26, the midfield maestro exhibits a level of composure reminiscent of a young Luka Modrić. Capable of orchestrating play from deep, dribbling past opponents, or scoring key goals, Attia is a complete package.

His passing numbers underline his importance, ranking second among midfielders in the tournament with 62 completed passes per match, just behind Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena (64).

With so much at stake, this promises to be a thrilling contest. Al Ahly will look to leverage their home advantage and attacking firepower, while Orlando Pirates aim to cement their dominance atop Group C. The tactical battle on Saturday will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of both teams’ campaigns in the CAF Champions League.

This is after producing another clinical performance at home, completing a result identical to the one earned in Algiers in the away leg. While sealing their spot in the quarterfinals, it banishes the visitors to a group-stage finish with one fixture left to play for each side.

What was a high-stakes encounter between two Group C rivals hopeful of progressing to the last eight failed to produce fireworks in the initial stages, with both teams opting for caution early on. The home side did manage to control matters from the onset, but it was the Algerians who conjured up the game’s first real shot in anger 16 minutes in. The chance was sparked by Khanyisa Mayo who did not get the necessary connection to direct his effort on target.

The game was jolted into life in the 20th minute, following a wayward pass deep inside Belouizdad territory, which handed Bucs striker Tshegofatso Mabasa a chance to get a shot away. His attempt met a deflection on its way to goalkeeper Moustafa Zeghba, but the shot stopper could only parry the ball onto the path of Relebohile Mofokeng who was left to complete a tap-in to put his side ahead.

The Buccaneers’ lead could have been short-lived though, if not for a misdirected shot from  Abderrahmane Meziane in the 27th minute. The striker found a way past the defence, beating Sipho Chaine, only to place his shot on the wrong side of the upright.

A chance to double the lead was presented to the home side late in the first half, but Mabasa failed to connect with a lovely through-ball sent in his direction by Patrick Maswanganyi. This meant that only a solitary goal separated the two sides as they headed into the tunnel.

In trying to restore parity, The Reds had an opportunity early after the restart when Mayo unselfishly laid one for his skipper, Islam Slimani. The former Leicester City forward however fluffed his lines as he sent his shot into the stands instead.

The missed opportunity came to haunt the visitors after the hour mark when Thalente Mbatha doubled the lead. The midfielder was left unmarked in enough space to free up one of his trademark shots from range and found the target with a firmly-struck effort which bounced off the inside of the crossbar into the net.

He had another chance moments later, misdirecting his attempt at extending the lead further. Belouizdad meanwhile looked to pull one back and could have done so in the 76th minute when replacement striker Mohamed Belkhir fired at the Pirates goal from close range, but only succeeded in sending his shot wide.

The Algerians continued to seek a way back into the contest, with Chaine forced into some desperate saves late on. They eventually reduced their deficit in injury time when Abdelraouf Benguit found a way past the Bucs shot-stopper with the help of a deflection inside the box.

The goal set up a tense finish, but time was on the hosts’ side as they looked to see out the contest. The final whistle sounded eventually, confirming the Buccaneers’ spot in the knockouts of the continents’ most prestigious club competition for the first time in over a decade.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Mbatha (Dlamini 84’) , Makhaula, Maswanganyi, Nkota (Mako 63’),  Mofokeng (Lebitso 84’), Mabasa (Makgopa 63’).

The challenge, however, is that only two teams can advance. The Algerian giants come into this match seeking three crucial points. However, a draw might also suffice depending on results elsewhere, with the Buccaneers facing Al Ahly and Belouizdad set to meet the already eliminated Stade d’Abidjan. As always, Orlandopiratesfc.com provides a tactical analysis of this crucial match.

Current Form (Last Five Matches): W – L – W – W – W – W

The last time we analysed CR Belouizdad, the club was in turmoil. Coaching changes and struggles for consistency saw them flirting with the relegation zone in the Algerian Ligue 1. Now, “The Reds,” as they are affectionately known, seem to have turned a corner impressively.

Currently ninth in the Algerian Ligue 1 table with 19 points, they have three games in hand over league leaders JS Kabylie, who sit on 24 points. Their resurgence extends to the CAF Champions League as well. Following a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Al Ahly, the Algerians bounced back with a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, keeping their hopes alive. In their last five matches, they’ve registered four wins, signalling a team in form.

To Attack or Defend: The Tactical Dilemma

When CR Belouizdad faced Al Ahly in their return leg, their intentions were clear from the first whistle: attack at all costs. The Algerians adopted an aggressive, high-pressing strategy, seeking nothing less than victory.

Against Orlando Pirates, their approach will likely dictate their setup. If they adopt an attacking mindset, Pirates can expect a repeat of the second half of their earlier 2-1 win over Belouizdad. This approach featured relentless pressing, early crosses, and quick throw-ins aimed at unsettling the opposition before they could regroup. Players such as Khanyiso Mayo and Abderrahmane Meziane (as well as the two full backs) will be central to this strategy.

Conversely, a more conservative approach might see the midfield pairing of Housseyn Selmi and Abdelraouf Benguit anchoring the side. Their roles would focus on breaking up play and maintaining possession. This defensive setup often slows the game’s tempo, with Belouizdad excelling in disrupting their opponents’ rhythm.

What Do the Numbers Say?

CR Belouizdad are the undisputed crossing specialists of the competition. Ranking second overall for total crosses, they delivered an astonishing 30+ crosses in their first clash against the Buccaneers and average 23.75 crosses per game.

For context, Orlando Pirates rank 16th with an average of only 7 crosses per game. Al Hilal of Sudan (log leaders of Group A) rank 15th with 8 crosses per game while Sundowns rank 14th with 9 crosses per game. This speaks to the contrasting styles of these two teams.

For open-play crosses, Belouizdad leads the pack with an average of 18.75 per match. Key contributors include:

Houcine Benayada: The right-back ranks first in the competition for open-play crosses, averaging five per game. Left-back Naoufel Khacef, ranks fourth overall, Khacef contributes 4.2 open-play crosses per match.

Key Players

Aymen Mahious: Ranking fourth in shots per game (3.75), Mahious poses a consistent goal threat.
Khanyiso Mayo: The South African forward ranks second among Belouizdad players and 13th overall with 2.35 shots per game.
Abderrahmane Meziane: The creative lynchpin, Meziane leads the competition in intentional assists with a rating of 0.78. The closest player to him is Ramadam Sobhi of Pyramids who sits on 0.62. Pirates’ highest-ranking player is Relebohile Mofokeng who is ranked ninth place.

Conclusion

Khanyiso Mayo and Abderrahmane Meziane represent the dual threat of goals and creativity for CR Belouizdad. Mayo’s recent rise to prominence underscores his growing importance, while Meziane’s ability to conjure chances from seemingly nothing makes him a constant headache for defences. With so much on the line, the tactical battle between Orlando Pirates and CR Belouizdad promises to be a fascinating clash. Whether “The Reds” opt for attack or a more measured approach, we will see on Sunday.

The match will be played at the Mecca of South African football – the Orlando Stadium. Kick off is 15h00.

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.

With things wide open, there was all to play for as the two sides renewed rivalries in Soweto. Pirates were almost stunned during the opening exchanges when the visitors got a chance which was eventually wasted.

That happened to be a rare foray deep into Bucs territory for Les Yèyés, who spent a great deal of time inside their own half. In trying to capitalise on their dominance, Pirates had opportunities through Kabelo Dlamini as well as Relebohile Mofokeng with both players unable to land the decisive touch.

The breakthrough wasn’t too far off, and it came in the 22nd minute following some neat interplay that led them into the penalty area. This was where Mohau Nkota did well to eliminate goalkeeper Drissa Bamba from the equation, allowing Mofokeng an empty net to shoot into.

Shortly after the goal, the shot-stopper did have some bright moments as he kept out shots from Nkota and Tshegofatso Mabasa. His heroics kept the Bucs lead to a minimum at the break, giving his side a chance to launch a second-half comeback.

That was not to be as the hosts doubled their lead just five minutes after the restart. The second goal was courtesy of Maswanganyi, who showed excellent skill in breaking free of his marker with a clever turn before expertly placing the ball beyond Bamba’s reach.

Les Yéyés did manage the odd surge into the home side’s half of the field, but Sipho Chaine’s goal remained largely untouched. Pirates meanwhile continued to knock at the other end with Dlamini and Maswanganyi each coming close to providing the third.

An intercept on the halfway line initiated a superb solo effort from Deon Hotto, made his way towards the Abidjan penalty area before finishing past Bamba to make it 3-0 with four minutes remaining before the final whistle. That left the Ivorians with an uphill climb as the home side refused to relent despite a comfortable lead.

All that was required for the Buccaneers was to manage the remainder of the contest, which they did without much of a fuss to claim a vital win which places them a point ahead of Al Ahly and two adrift from CR Belouizdad with two group games left for each team to play,

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen (Monyane 86’), Hotto, Makhaula, Dlamini (Rasebotja 86’), Nkota (Mako 73’), Maswanganyi (Tshobeni 79’), Mofokeng, Mabasa (Radiopane 79’).

For the Buccaneers, the equation is straightforward: a victory will leave them just a point away from qualifying for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the visitors, currently rooted at the bottom of the group with only one point from three games, face elimination unless they secure all three points.

So it’s safe to say Stade d’Abidjan won’t be in Johannesburg for a holiday—they’re here to fight.
José Riveiro’s men must prepare for a clash with a side eager to upset the balance, fully aware of the significance of this encounter. And why wouldn’t they?

After all, it was against the Buccaneers that Stade d’Abidjan earned their first group-stage point; a 1-all draw. That result proved the Ivorian outfit is far more than a group-stage filler.

Current Form (Last Five Matches)
W-D-D-W–W

Les Yéyés are riding an impressive unbeaten streak, having avoided defeat in their last five matches across all competitions. Their 1-1 draw with Pirates seems to have ignited a purple patch of form of sorts, as they’ve gone on to score 13 goals in those matches, averaging 2.6 goals per game.

This fine run of results has propelled Alexandre Lafitte’s team up the domestic league standings, where they now sit in second place, trailing leaders AFAD only on goal difference—a gap narrowed by a commanding 3-1 win over AFAD last month.

Key Players
In the previous analysis by Orlandopiratesfc.com, attention centred on midfield maestros Aka and Niampe, who control the tempo for Stade d’Abidjan. However, in this must-win clash, the attacking players will hold the key. Keep an eye on these players:

1. Roger Assalé
2. Youssouf Koné
3. Kassoum Koné

Each has demonstrated the ability to exploit defensive lapses, and they’ll be eager to test the Buccaneers’ backline.

Threats and Weaknesses
As with any football team, Stade d’Abidjan come into this game carrying both strengths and vulnerabilities.

Main Threats
• Goalscoring Ability: Les Yéyés are prolific, having scored in their last six matches. What makes them particularly dangerous is the distribution of goals across the squad, making it difficult to single out one player for defensive focus.

• Set Pieces: Pirates know this threat all too well, having conceded a set-piece goal in the reverse fixture. Stade d’Abidjan employ clever routines involving blockers, allowing a player to peel off and target the far post—whether to head back across goal or, as Pirates experienced, score directly.

Main Weakness

• Defensive Fragility: While Stade d’Abidjan have no trouble finding the net, they struggle to keep their opponents out. They’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine competitive matches, conceding 15 goals (an average of 1.6 goals per game). In many of their victories, they’ve had to come from behind, highlighting defensive lapses early in games.

Conclusion

Saturday’s match will be anything but a walk in the park for the Buccaneers. Stade d’Abidjan are better than their position on the table suggests, and their recent form proves they are no pushovers.
For Pirates to secure the crucial three points, they’ll need to be at their best, both tactically and mentally, to overcome this hard-running and relentless Ivorian side.

Kickoff: 18:00 (SA Time)

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’) .

With this hat-trick, Mabasa has two to his name in a calendar year following Bucs’ 7-1 triumph over Golden Arrows in April earlier this year.

Reflecting on his performance, the 28-year-old expressed both gratitude and joy, emphasising the importance of the team’s success.

“Thank you for the result, that’s the most important thing,” he said. “But secondly, to score a hat-trick as a striker is very special. We just hope that this win can spur us on to better form for the rest of the season.

“I would like to thank my teammates and also like to acknowledge the technical team for the hard work that they put in. It’s from all the work that we do at training which makes this possible.”

Orlando Pirates will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Magesi. The Buccaneers will be seeking redemption after being eliminated by Dikwena tša Meetse in the Netbank Cup earlier this year.

It’s a relatively new rivalry in the top flight, which will be reignited following the visitors’ brief absence from the top flight. Three points will be top of the priority list for both sides with the Buccaneers on a mission to reclaim the top spot while the men from the Free State will be determined to claw their way out of the bottom half of the standings.

Previous meetings

All previous league fixtures between the two sides have occurred over a brief span starting at the beginning of the 2021/22 season and finishing halfway through the following campaign.The four league fixtures played so far have been dominated by Pirates, who went on a three-match winning streak prior to Gallants’ brief absence from the top flight.

Two of these three wins took place at Orlando Stadium, where the Buccaneers are yet to drop points against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa. They only failed to get over the line in the very first meeting, which ended in a goalless draw.

Goal Scorers

The fixture has so far produced a total of six goals. Unsurprisingly, these have been heavily slanted in favour of the Buccaneers who have netted five and only conceded once.

Gallants were however the first to find the net as they went ahead in the 12th minute through Siphelele Ntshangase in their second league encounter against Pirates, with the game played at Orlando Stadium a little over three years to the day. That particular clash went on to finish in a 2-1 scoreline in favour of the hosts as ex-Bucs striker Kwame Peprah struck twice in quick succession to complete the comeback with under 30 minutes played.

The Ghanaian attacker remains the leading goal-scorer, with Paseka Mako, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Monnapule Saleng each currently at a goal apiece. Mako’s goal stands out as the fastest scored in the fixture, with the left-back finding the net just three minutes into the game to secure Pirates a 1-0 victory at home.

Ndlondlo is meanwhile the only player to have struck in the second half, with his 68th minute penalty in the most recent clash between the two sides crucial in handing the Buccaneers their first away win against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.

Control in the Middle

Key to Pirates’ dominance in the fixture has been their control in terms of ball possession. Across the four games, they have comfortably led in the ball possession stakes. In all but one of the four games played, the Buccaneers have enjoyed over 55% of the ball, maintaining attacking pressure and limiting Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’s opportunities.

Composure Under Pressure

While the Premiership is physical in nature with fouls a regular feature of the game, fixtures between Pirates and Gallants have been played in a good spirit. Both teams have displayed good discipline throughout with only 13 yellow cards dished out. The Free State outfit slightly edges the Soweto Giants in that regard as they boast seven yellows. To date, no player has been cautioned more than once while a red card is yet to be shown.

Match Access Guide

Tuesday’s fixture kicks off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Tickets for the game are still available for purchase online through TicketPro or at select outlets across the country.

Crowned champions in the same city back in 1995, the Soweto Giants returned to the historic battleground as one of two teams still unbeaten in their group. They were looking to push their tally to seven points on the halfway mark of the group stage, with top spot beckoning. Missed opportunities however plagued their efforts, particularly in the first half where they were the more dominant side.

Makhehleni Makhaula and Relebohile Mofokeng were both afforded chances at goal inside the opening 15 minutes. However, both players placed their shots off target as they looked to push ahead. These were the first of many attempts at the goal manned by Drissa Bamba who was mostly unthreatened despite being by far the busier of the two men between the sticks.

The Ivorian shot-stopper was made to strain in keeping out a shot from Mohau Nkota 30 minutes in when he dived low to his left after the Bucs forward was unselfishly played in by Evidence Makgopa. He could have been called upon late in the first half, but the home side’s defence managed to scramble to deal with the danger posed by a Bucs set piece they threatened deep inside the penalty area.

Following some close calls, Pirates were afforded a golden opportunity to make the most of their ascendancy as Mofokeng was brought down inside the box. This resulted in a penalty, taken by Makgopa who effortlessly sent Bamba the wrong way with seconds remaining before the break.

The pace increased notably in the second half as Les Yéyés looked to draw level. It would only take them nine minutes to find the equaliser which was provided by defender Ousmane Méité who fired in from close range.

Pirates had the opportunity to restore their lead in the 58th minute when Makgopa was released out on the left flank. The chance was however spurned as Bamba came out on top in a one-on-one situation.

Spurred on by the equaliser, Abidjan looked a different side for much of the second half and threatened to steal a late winner. Ben Guel Kouyate had a couple of close calls on either side of a wayward header at the other end from Bucs replacement striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.

A late free kick for the visitors could have put them back in front with the final whistle fast approaching. Substitute midfielder Kabelo Dlamini however directed his effort over the crossbar.

This was followed by a tense finish as the hosts looked to complete their comeback, but the Buccaneers managed to survive a shaky period towards the end to maintain a stalemate they would have wished to convert into a crucial victory on the road.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane, Van Rooyen, Mako (Dlamini 64’), Makhaula (Kimvuidi 87’), Mbatha (Rasebotja 73’), Nkota (Gilberto 64’), Mofokeng, Hotto, Makgopa (Mabasa 64’).

A Tale of Similarities

Like Orlando Pirates, Stade d’Abidjan earned their spot in the Champions League as runners-up in their domestic league, finishing behind champions San-Pedro. But the similarities don’t end there.Though not as recognised as their neighbors and rivals, ASEC Mimosas, Stade d’Abidjan, affectionately known as Les Yèyès, boast a rich history.

Formed in 1938 under the name ASFIF Abidjan, they share a similar age group to the Buccaneers. Their crowning achievement came in 1966 when they lifted the CAF Champions League. They returned to the continental showpiece in 1967 and 1970, but only went as far as the Quarterfinals on both occasions.

Current Campaign

Fast forward to the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign, and Stade d’Abidjan find themselves in a challenging position. They sit at the bottom of Group C after back-to-back losses against Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad respectively.

While their form may suggest an easier outing for the Buccaneers, Head Coach José Riveiro has warned his players about underestimating their opponents, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by the Ivorian side.

Recent Form: W – D – L – L – L

Stade d’Abidjan have endured a tough run, losing their last three competitive matches. They suffered a 4-2 defeat to Al Ahly in the Champions League, a 2-0 loss to Bouaké in Ligue 1, and most recently, a narrow 1-0 defeat to CR Belouizdad. Head Coach Alexandre Lafitte will approach Saturday’s match knowing anything less than a win could all but dash their chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition .

Tactical Overview
Different Tactical Styles

Having faced North African teams like Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad, Pirates can expect a shift in tactical dynamics when facing a West African side like Stade d’Abidjan. While North African football often emphasizes tactical discipline, set-piece proficiency, and structured play, West African teams are renowned for their intensity, individual flair, and physicality.

The region has produced globally celebrated talents like Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast), Gervinho (Ivory Coast), Sadio Mane (Senegal) and Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) to name a few.

Key Threats
One-on-One Dribblers

Positional play has dominated modern football, thanks to coaches like Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, who have revolutionized the game with their view on the game. Cruyff started it but Guardiola has gone on to perfect the concept that focuses on prioritizing space manipulation. However, in countries like Ivory Coast, the art of the one-on-one dribbler remains alive. Two Stade d’Abidjan players rank among the Top 5 dribblers in this season’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League:

1. Tayeb Meziani (MC Alger): 14 dribbles
2. Pacome Zouzoua (Young Africans): 14
3. Oscar Kabwit (TP Mazembe): 11
4. Sean-Jean Kore (Stade d’Abidjan): 9
5. Roger Assalé (Stade d’Abidjan): 8

For context, Orlando Pirates’ highest-ranking player in this metric is Relebohile Mofokeng with six. Additionally, Roger Assalé boasts a superior dribble success rate of 37.5% compared to Mofokeng’s 16.7%. At 31, Assalé brings valuable European experience, having played for clubs like Young Boys, Leganés, and Dijon.

Trigger Happy

While Kore’s dribbling success rate is modest (11%), his impact is felt in his shooting. The 26-year-old forward ranks second in shots taken (7) in the competition, trailing only Ibrahim Adel of Pyramids FC. By comparison, Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi and Monnapule Saleng have taken four shots each but have played only one match apiece.

The Conductor

Often overlooked, the pivot role is critical in controlling a team’s tempo. Stade d’Abidjan’s 32-year-old Essis Aka is their orchestrator, ranking among the Top Five carriers in the Champions League. The role of the pivot is one that doesn’t get much attention. Often the focus is on the attacking players .

The recent Ballon D’or that went to Rodri created a lot of debate. With many arguing that Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jnr was robbed. However if there was a reason to motivate the justification for Rodri’s case. Take a look at his clubs record before his injury and post. Prior to his injury City went 74 games undefeated and post his injury- the rest his history.

Coming back to Essis Aka. The Ivorian’s have their own Conductor of sorts. He is the one who controls the tempo and rhythm of his side. In the Champions League so far the 32 year old ranks in the Top Five terms of Carries (excl defenders) with 82 carries over the two matches

1. Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns): 154
2. Marcelo Allende (Sundowns): 110
3. Lucas Ribeiro (Sundowns): 95
4. Marwan Attia (Al Ahly): 90
5. Essis Aka (Stade d’Abidjan): 82

Aka’s ability to dictate play will be pivotal for his teams side. Despite their position at the foot of Group C, Stade d’Abidjan remain a dangerous side, blending individual brilliance with collective resilience. For Orlando Pirates, focus and discipline will be key to securing maximum points and bolstering their ambitions in the competition.

After nearly a decade since their last encounter, the Buccaneers and the Red Devils locked horns in what was an eagerly-awaited clash. It was a battle for supremacy in their group after both sides had raced to claim the top two spots in the previous game week.

The sellout crowd was however made to wait before finding something to shout about with the first half consisting of very few real chances at either goal. Pirates’ efforts at making the most of their home-ground advantage met a determined effort from the visitors who strictly manned their defensive lines.

The hosts looked to break them off through a succession of set pieces as the break approached. They were however unable to make the most of their chances as the defending champions managed to see out the storm.

A few close calls fell to Pirates moments before the break. Both were from Monnapule Saleng who fired inches wide with a speculative shot from outside the penalty area before knocking the ball straight to Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy after he released inside the box.

He continued to take the game to the North Africans in the second half when he managed to find a way past El Shenawy, who had left his line to attempt a save. The scoreboard was however unaffected with the shot from the Bucs attacker lacking the necessary power to cause any significant problems.

This set the tone for a second period played with more lively tempo as the Buccaneers swiftly made their way deep into opposition territory 10 minutes after the restart. This attack led to a near miss from Thalente Mbatha who drove a shot at goal from outside the box, missing the target by mere inches.

Despite the evident shift in pace at both ends of the field, the two keepers remained largely spared from pressure. They each had to make a pretty straightforward stop with Pirates shot stopper Sipho Chaine equal to the task following an Al Ahly set piece while El Shenawy was also comfortable in dealing with an attempt from Evidence Makgopa.

Bucs attacker Relebohile Mofokeng did manage to make the Egyptian international sweat after the hour mark when he got on the end of a cross from Deon Hotto. There was however no change to the scoreline as the experienced keeper managed to keep out the youngster’s effort.

A desperate search for a late winner saw the visitors sparking a few opportunities for themselves in the game’s dying moments. The best of these came from replacement midfielder Hussein El Shahat who was able to connect with one inside the Buccaneers’ penalty area, forcing Chaine to his right as he produced a crucial save with not much time left on the clock.

The contest continued at a frantic pace with the final whistle just moments away, but the home side failed to connect inside the attacking third while Chaine kept them in it with another important stop from a set piece. No goals were forthcoming in the end as the two sides completed their third Champions League stalemate at Orlando Stadium.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Mako, Makhaula (Timm 81’), Mbatha (Dlamini 81’), Mofokeng, Saleng, Hotto (Nkota 69’), Makgopa (Mabasa 69’).

It promises to be another thrilling chapter in a list of key battles between two sides that have previously lifted the biggest trophy in African club football. The Egyptians head into the encounter as defending champions, having recently bagged a record 12th title, while the home side look to strengthen their challenge for a second triumph in the prestigious competitions.

Form Guide

Both sides had a winning start to their group stage campaign and currently occupy the top two spots in Group C. The Red Devils are higher up in the standings after beating Ivorian outfit Stade d’Abidjan 4-2 in Cairo to go clear on goal difference.

They played to league stalemates on either side of their clash against the West African outfit, drawing 1-1 at home against Al Ittihad before earning another league point in a goalless stalemate away to National Bank. Their two recent Premier League results are among the very few blemishes to their season thus far, following a near-perfect start where they added another Egyptian Super Cup title plus a CAF Super Cup triumph to their glowing trophy cabinet.

Al Ahly now head into the match against Pirates unbeaten in their five most recent outings, where they have claimed three victories along with their two league draws. They take on a side determined to bounce back from a disappointing result in their last fixture.

Following a remarkable 2-1 win away to CR Belouizdad in their Group C opener, the Buccaneers slumped to a narrow defeat at home to domestic rivals Stellenbosch last Sunday. It was their first loss in the league this season and resulted in them dropping from first to second place in the standings.  It also ended a streak of five straight victories and was their second home defeat across competitions this season.

Like the visiting North Africans, the Soweto Giants have had a taste of cup success in the 2024/25 campaign. They will be eager to enhance their chances of claiming the biggest prize available to them this season by producing a performance that will place them in pole position for a spot in the knockouts.

Team News

There have been some key absentees throughout the season in both camps. Midfield pair Karim Nedved and Karim Fouad are both yet to feature for the visitors since the start of the ongoing campaign, while Egyptian international Emam Ashour could return after a short suspension.

Pirates have had similar injury issues, with the likes of Zakhele Lepasa and Goodman Mosele still on the mend. Coach Jose Riveiro has however confirmed  that he has up to 36 fit squad members at his disposal, and the number includes players such as Thabiso Lebitso and Sandile Mthethwa who have been working their way back to match fitness over the past few weeks.

Players to Watch

With vast Champions League experience, Taher Mohamed will be one of the key men for the visitors as he comes into the clash in good form. The winger has had a hand in crucial goals in domestic and continental football, along with Palestinian international forward Wessam Abou Ali.

Bafana international forward Percy Tau is also among their notable goal-scoring threats while the Egyptians boast a number of reliable impact players elsewhere on the field in the likes of fullback Yahya Allah – a solid presence at both ends of the pitch. Experienced shot-stopper Mohammed El-Shenawy leads from between the sticks and has kept clean sheets in five of his nine club appearances this season.

Head-to-Head

Drawn in the same group for the first time since the 2013 edition of the Champions League where they eventually went on to contest the final, Pirates and Al Ahly are well acquainted. They have met a total of six times with the majority of their clashes occurring in the knockout stages of the two major continental interclub tournaments.

The Buccaneers currently sport a comfortable lead in terms of head-to-head results with three wins to the Red Devils’ solitary victory, which sealed the 2013 title. Things are a lot tighter as far as the Champions League is concerned with each side boasting a single win in their four matches.

The Soweto Giants are yet to claim a home victory against the Egyptians in the continents’ premier club competition, with their only triumph at Orlando Stadium coming in the 2015 Confed Cup semifinals where they secured a win in each of the two legs.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 15:00 and the match will be broadcast on SABC 3, SuperSport Variety 4 (209) while a live stream is also available on SABC+ . You can also keep up with the action by following live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the match are sold out.

The next closest clubs, TP Mazembe and Zamalek, have five titles each. Orlando Pirates, though absent from the continental showpiece in recent seasons, boast a rich history in this competition when it comes to clashes between these two sides. Meetings between the Buccaneers and Al Ahly have often been tightly contested and judging by the form of both teams in their opening matches, fans on opposite ends of the continent can expect another thrilling encounter.

Both teams currently sit on three points after their respective opening fixtures. Pirates earned a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against CR Belouizdad, while Al Ahly emerged as 4-2 victors against Stade d’Abidjan. As we gear up for this weekend’s encounter, here is an in-depth look at what the Mighty Buccaneers can expect on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

With Al Ahly topping the table on goal difference, Orlando Pirates could seize first place with a victory. Historically, the head-to-head record between these teams has been closely contested. Out of six encounters, the Buccaneers have claimed three wins, with two draws, while Al Ahly have managed just one victory—a significant one at that.

The two sides contested the 2013 CAF Champions League Final over two legs. The first leg, held at Orlando Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw. In the second leg, the Red Devils, as they are affectionately known, secured a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Egyptian legend Mohamed Aboutrika. Despite the scoreline, the match was tightly contested, with the Buccaneers squandering key opportunities in the first half that could have altered the outcome of the match.

Current Form (Last 5 Matches): W–W-D-W-D

Al Ahly are a team that competes on many fronts. They don’t only compete in the Caf Champions League and the Egyptian Premier league. Over the past month and a half, the reigning champions have also participated in the CAF Super Cup and the FIFA World Club Cup. Of their last five competitive matches, Marcel Koller’s men have won three times and drawn twice. Scoring 11 goals and conceding 5 goals.

Key Players

Emam Ashour (26 Years Old)

If Emam Ashour features in the match on Saturday, then there is no doubt that that he will be one of the key players for the visitors. We use the word “if” because the 26-year-old has struggled with disciplinary issues off the field.

Recently, the midfielder was suspended after clashing with the team captain. However, if recent reports are anything to go by, Ashour will be part of the traveling contingent after apologising to his teammates for his misdemeanour.

Yahya Allah (29 Years Old)

The Moroccan international is currently on loan at Ahly from Russian club Socci. He is a very competent full back who provides the additional attacking threat with his marauding runs down the left flank. Yahya, along with his teammate Khaled Fattah who plays right full back, are key in providing width for Ahly to allow the likes of El Shahat and Taher Mohamed to tuck in and play in the half spaces.

Hussein El Shahat (32 Years Old)

Although El Shahat has had a slow start to the season, his quality and influence in the attack are undeniable. Playing as a right-footed attacker on the left flank, he benefits from the overlapping runs of Yahya Allah, giving him the freedom to cut inside and create scoring opportunities. El Shahat has a reputation for delivering crucial goals when it matters most.

Strengths
• Defensive Fortress

Sir Alex Ferguson once famously said: “Attack wins you games but defence wins you titles”, this statement cannot be any truer for Al Ahly. The defending champions, are miserly in defence and that is hugely due to the experience of the defence. Anchored by the experienced El Shenawy in goal and the central defensive pairing of Ramy Rabia and Yasser Ibrahim, the Red Devils are a tough nut to crack. Notably, they navigated the knockout stages of the 2023 CAF Champions League without conceding a single goal. This season, the only blemish has been the two goals conceded against Stade d’Abidjan.

• Game Management

Al Ahly’s primary strength lies in their ability to read the game and focus on securing the result.Ordinarily,the Red Devils prefer a dominant possession focused style of play. Their midfielders, such as Ashour, Mohamed Magdy and Marwan Attia, are skilled at maintaining control of the ball, dictating the pace of the game, and creating opportunities for their forwards.

This ability to control the game through possession puts constant pressure on their opponents and minimises the time the opposition has to mount their own attacks. However, due to the maturity of the team – often, when Ahly plays away, the team opts for a more cautious approach which includes slowing down the game, breaking play and sometimes a transitional type of game.

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.

Dreams have the power to inspire and uplift but they can also be shadowed by nightmares that threaten to derail them. The Nkota story is a dream realised, and a nightmare overcome.

As the 20-year-old sprinted to the corner flag to celebrate his second goal with his teammates last night, the joy on his face, was that of a boy realising a dream coming true.However, few know that his journey was almost abruptly cut short earlier this year.

On March 24, 2024, Mohau’s career and future hung in the balance. While playing for the Pirates Diski Challenge squad in Tsakane against Kaizer Chiefs, the Kimberly-born attacker suffered a devastating neck injury which saw him being rushed to the hospital.

Nkota faced an agonising wait of uncertainty. Doctors were unsure of the extent of the injury but the symptoms he was displaying were not positive.

Club employee Thabang Lepule, who was bedside with Nkota throughout the entire ordeal recalls: “While we were waiting for the results to come out, Mohau was visibly distraught. Asking questions like, “Am I going to play again? “Is my career over? “It can’t end like this surely.”

“It was so tough because I could see that the boy was dreading the worst. We didn’t know if he would fully recover, let alone return to the sport he loved”, concluded Lepule.”

As for Mohau, he said: “It was one of the toughest moments of my life. I had recently started training with the first team, and I believe at DDC I was playing some of my best football.

“The injury came at the worst time possible. Here I am about to become a professional player, and this happens. During my 4 to 5 hours wait at the hospital, I had many thoughts coming into my head but fortunately through God’s grace, I overcame my situation.

“My return to playing was slow and taxing on me mentally because I had long dizzy spells and constant headaches.”

Slowly but surely, he fought his way back onto the pitch, defying expectations and proving that his spirit was as strong as his talent.

Fast-forward to today, the name Mohau Nkota is on the lips of the hordes of the Mighty Buccaneers supporters after his impressive display in Algeria last night.

“It’s hard to put into words what this means to me,” Nkota said after the game, visibly emotional. “To score twice in such an important match is a dream come true. I’m just so grateful for everyone who believed in me and for this incredible club.”

The youngster is slowly endearing himself to the Ghost with his performances. With only seven games into his professional career, Nkota has already notched up four goals to his name.

The Soweto Giants benefitted from a clinical first-half performance which gave them a handy lead ahead of a spirited fight back from the hosts in the second period. It is a win that places them second in their group, tied on points with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

They had to do it in front of an intimidating crowd in Algiers, but were largely unfazed as they burst out of the gates with confidence and control. It only took five minutes to strike as Relebohile Mofokeng positioned himself perfectly to collect a loose ball from the edge of the box before freeing Mohau Nkota, who coolly slotted home the opener to give his side a dream start.

The home side looked to hit back and were twice denied by defender Nkosinathi Sibisi. Their best chance in the opening exchanges was thwarted by a brilliant double save from goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who kept out a stinging shot from range before dealing with Islam Slimani’s effort from a rebound.

Nkota had an opportunity to double his tally on the night just eight minutes after bagging his first, but could only draw a save from the onrushing Belouizdad goalkeeper Moustafa Zeghba. Pirates managed to revive the attack from the rebound, resulting in another close call, this time from Patrick Maswanganyi who sent his shot narrowly wide.

The youngster’s second did eventually come, and it arrived in spectacular fashion when he connected with Mofokeng once more before unleashing a stunner of a shot which evaded the outstretched Zeghba.

Trailing by two, the home side intensified their efforts to get back in the game and could have pulled one back after the half-hour mark as Slimani got a sniff at the Bucs goal, only to poke his shot over the crossbar. The home team had another chance just before the break as Housseyn Selmi darted across field from the left before placing his effort inches wide.

Zeghba was called on early in the second half as he dealt with a diagonal ball from Thalente Mbatha, who looked to further extend the visitors’ lead in the 48th minute. However, most of the goalmouth action after the break occurred in the visitors’ half where replacement forwards Khanyisa Mayo and Aimen Mahious constantly threatened.

The Reds eventually found their breakthrough, and it came via the former Cape Town City men who headed in from close range to make it 2-1. The goal gave the Algerians a jolt of confidence as they continued to bear down on the visitors’ goal.

Pirates had the rare foray deep into opposition territory without creating any clear-cut chances. They mainly had to man their defensive lines amid relentless approaches from Belouizdad who were looking to salvage a point at home.

The equaliser was not forthcoming however as the Soweto Giants restricted the hosts to just a single goal, getting off to a perfect start with three points on the road.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Sesane,Monyane (Van Rooyen 76’), Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha (Dlamini 76’), Nkota (Rasebotja 88’), Maswanganyi, Mofokeng (Mako 67’), Makgopa (Mabasa 88’).

However, not the first time that Orlando Pirates face a team from Algeria.The Buccaneers have played against four different teams from that part of the world and in those seven encounters, the Soweto Giants have recorded three wins, three draws and one loss – scoring seven times and conceding three in the process.

Year Opposition Result Competition

1996 JS Kabylie 1-0 Super Cup Final
1997 USM Alger 1-2 Champions Cup
USM Alger 1-1 Champions Cup
2021 ES Setif 0-0 Confederation Cup
ES Setif 0-0 Confederation Cup
2022 JS Saoura 2-0 Confederation Cup
JS Saoura 2-0 Confederation Cup

North Versus South

Whenever clubs from Southern tip of the African continent meet teams from the North – fireworks are guaranteed. From the electric atmospheres created by passionate home fans to the contrasting styles of play, these matchups are often captivating.

Northern teams are known for their high-intensity, aggressive approach, while South African teams rely on speed and flair. This contrast sets the stage for a tactically intriguing contest, especially for football purists.

To offer deeper insight into these encounters, orlandopiratesfc.com introduces the Opposition Analysis feature for the Buccaneers’ CAF Champions League campaign.
Here, we dissect and analyse each opponent in detail.

Team on the Mend

Current Form (Last 5 Matches): D-L-D-L–W-W

CR Belouizdad, affectionately known as The Reds, had a challenging start to their Algerian Premier League campaign but seem to have turned a corner with back-to-back league wins. These victories have provided a much-needed boost ahead of their Group Stage opener against Orlando Pirates. The Club recently parted ways with head coach Corentin Martins after a winless run in their first four league matches. His replacement, the highly experienced Abdelkader Amrani, has overseen four games so far, achieving two wins, one draw, and one loss.

Key Players

Islam Sliman (36 Years Old)
Despite his age, Sliman remains a key figure for CR Belouizdad. His recent performance in their 3-1 win over MC Alger demonstrated his enduring quality. Standing at 1.88m, Sliman has a wealth of experience from European football, having played for Sporting CP, Leicester City, Newcastle United, and Monaco, among others.

In six league games this season, he has scored three goals, averaging 0.50 goals per game — a rate matched only by Monnapule Saleng and Evidence Makgopa.*
*league only

Abdelraouf Benguit (28 Years Old)
The Algerian midfielder is the heartbeat of CR Belouizdad. Known for his fiery temperament, Benguit combines technical proficiency with composure and provides direction to his team. He has scored three goals in six league games, an impressive return for a midfielder. His ability to draw fouls is also a significant asset, particularly in the physical battles typical of North African football.

Abderrahmane Meziane (30 Years Old)
While Meziane is yet to score in Ligue 1 this season, his influence on the left flank cannot be overlooked. A versatile winger, Meziane excels at cutting inside onto his stronger foot, often creating opportunities for his teammates. He is a tricky customer who must not be allowed to settle into the game.

Strengths

Transitions and Wing Play
• CR Belouizdad excel in quick transitions.
• Most of their attacks originate from the flanks, driven by their wingbacks.
• Sliman serves as the focal point, holding up play effectively in transitions but also being at the end of attacks in the box.
• They pose a significant aerial threat in the box, with Sliman leading the charge.

Set-Pieces
• CR Belouizdad are formidable from set-pieces.
• Players like Sliman, Keddad, and Hadded require close marking during corners and free kicks around the box.

The much-anticipated fixture begins a crucial phase in the Buccaneers’ search for a second star on their crest as they aim to add to their remarkable 1995 triumph. They’re up against a Belouizdad outfit that has become a regular feature in the group stage as well as the knockout rounds of the prestigious continental championship in recent years.

Form Guide

Pirates’ journey to the group stage has taken them to Madagascar and neighbouring Botswana. They defeated Malagasy champions Disciples in the opening preliminary round with all their four goals across the two legs of the tie coming in the decider at Orlando Stadium after the away leg finished goalless. They booked their spot in the groups with an impressive showing against Jwaneng Galaxy, who they defeated in each of the two legs of the final playoff round to go through with a 3-0 aggregate score.

A more testing challenge now awaits the Soweto Giants, who are coming off a lengthy break in action after last taking to the field earlier in the month when they claimed a narrowly league victory over Richards Bay. The result extended their winning streak to four matches, with their last defeat dating back to just after the previous international break when they exited the Carling Knockout Cup in the Round of 16.

Maintaining momentum will be key for the Buccaneers as they look for a crucial three points against a side that has overturned a string of disappointing results in their domestic league. Affectionately known as “The Reds”, the Algerians were in action against rivals MC Alger and secured the second of back-to-back league victories. They however remain in the bottom half of the standings, having endured a disappointing start to their campaign where they failed to get over the line in each of their six opening fixtures.

Outside Algerian shores, they saw off the challenge of Congo’s AC Léopards in the first preliminary round of the Champions League before narrowly defeating Senegalese outfit Douanes in a tie that had to be settled by penalties after each side posted a 1-0 in their respective home legs.

Much like the Buccaneers, they will be determined to get off to a good start as they look to get an edge in what promises to be one of the most fiercely-contested in the current edition of the prestigious tournament.

Team News

The visitors welcomed eight internationals back to camp following the recent international break, and have been further boosted by the return of key players from injury. Deano van Rooyen, Makhehlene Makhaula and Thuso Moleleki have all travelled to Algeria after brief spells on the injury list and will all be in contention for spots in the match-day squad.

For the hosts, it could be another fixture without the services of striker Merouane Zerrouki who has been out since early October after picking up a knock in a league stalemate away to Biskra.

Players to Watch

Former Newcastle United and Leicester City forward Islam Slimani provides vital experience up front for Belouizdad and comes into the fixture in good form after netting three times in seven league appearances this season. He is expected to captain the side, while fellow forward Khanyisa Mayo’s familiarity with the Buccaneers could prove valuable.

Algerian international Abdelraouf Benguit has also chipped in with a few goals from midfield and there’s experience and defensive stability provided by the likes of Chouaib Keddad and Mouad Hadded. Their goal is safeguarded by another seasoned campaigner in Toufik Moussaoui, who has started in all but two of their matches this season.

Head-to-Head

Tuesday’s match will unlock a new chapter in the two team’s history as they will be doing battle for the first time ever.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs CR Belouizdad

Kick-off is at 21:00, and the game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport and Supersport Channel 209. Orlando Pirates will provide live updates across the club’s social media platforms.

Jose Riveiro and his technical team will need every player available during this intense period, as the clash against the Algerian giants marks the first of a demanding 21 days. It’s a challenging schedule by any standard, but there is some encouraging news from the Bucs’ medical department.

Updates on the squad’s fitness could provide a crucial boost as the team navigates this testing phase of the season.

The medical team has provided the following updates:

Players who have returned to full training:
• Tapelo Xoki
• Sandile Mthethwa
• Deano Van Rooyen
• Makhehlene Makhaula
• Thabiso Lebitso
• Thuso Moleleki
• Ethan Visagie

Players currently undergoing rehabilitation:
• Goodman Mosele
• Zakhele Lepasa
• Olisa Ndah

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.

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’).

It’s the final league fixture before the upcoming international break for the Buccaneers, who are looking to further strengthen their grip on top spot. They face a determined Richards Bay outfit eyeing a move up the table after a tough start to the campaign.

Form Guide

The home side enters this game with an unblemished league record, having won all six of their fixtures so far. Fresh from a solid 2-0 victory away to TS Galaxy, they’ve managed to keep the pressure on second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, maintaining a three-point lead.

Pirates have been solid at both ends of the pitch this season, averaging two goals per match while showcasing a rock-solid defence that has only been breached twice. Three additional points will guarantee that they secure their hold on the top of the standings prior to the break, while also sealing their best start to the league campaign in the PSL era.

Standing between them and a seventh straight win is a Richards Bay side that will take some degree of confidence to the fixture. The KwaZulu-Natal team recently battled their way to the Carling Knockout Cup semifinals, edging out Cape Town City in a tense penalty shootout after 120 minutes of goalless action.

This was however only their second win in all competitions this season, with their only other triumph coming in the opening weekend of Premiership action. The Natal Rich Boyz have since managed to pick two points from their next five league matches, falling on the losing side three times to land in 12th place.

Having narrowly escaped the axe last season, they have a chance to begin their ascent into safety early on this term. This will require a drastic change in their luck in front of goal, as they head into the showdown with the Buccaneers with none scored in open play in their six most recent games.

Team News

Striker Yanela Mbuthuma is not available for selection as he sits out the second game of his two-match ban after picking up a red card in the league defeat against Sekhukhune United. He is one of two players suspended for the clash after midfielder Langelihle Mhlongo also received his marching orders over the weekend.

There are no suspension worries for the Buccaneers ahead of the clash. However, new signing Deano van Rooyen could miss out once more as he continues his recovery after picking up an injury against AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium.

Key Players

Makhehlene Makhaula (Orlando Pirates): One of the unsung heroes in the Bucs setup, Makhaula has enjoyed a more prominent role in the team over the past year. The midfielder has been key in maintaining control in the centre of the park while also thwarting the opposition’s efforts at launching attacks.

Somila Ntsundwana (Richards Bay): With a knack for troubling defences, Ntsundwana has often stepped up on big occasions and will look to deliver another top performance against the Buccaneers. Primarily deployed on the left wing but versatile enough to cover various attacking positions, Ntsundwana’s directness and eye for goal make him one of the visitors’ key attacking components.

Head-to-Head

Pirates will look to seal a league double early in the season when they clash with Richards Bay. The KZN outfit is among the six teams to have suffered defeat at the hands of the Soweto Giants, who earned a hard-fought 1-0 win at King Zwelithini Stadium in September with Kabelo Dlamini providing the game’s only goal.

That result created a bit of daylight between the two sides in terms of head-to-head results, with the Buccaneers slightly edging it with two wins in their five league encounters while the Natal Rich Boyz boast a single win.

Victory at Orlando Stadium has so far eluded the hosts, however. Their first home league fixture against Tuesday’s opponents finished goalless and was followed by an upset defeat towards the end of last season when Sanele Barns’ first-half strike handed the visitors all three points.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The game starts at 19:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Orlando Pirates will share live updates across the Club’s official social media platforms.

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

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.