A new chapter begins for Orlando Stadium this afternoon when Orlando Pirates host TS Galaxy in the next Betway Premiership fixture. It will be the first in nearly three years without the Spanish mentor, José Riveiro in the dugout.
Form Guide
TS Galaxy take the trip to Soweto situated in sixth in the standings with one last competitive fixture to navigate. Their current position is as high as they can get this season, having missed the opportunity to participate in continental football next season through a disappointing turn of form.
They are winless in the last five league matches, where they have claimed just two out of a possible 15 points after only managing to avoid defeat in games against Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United.
A good two months has elapsed since their last victory, which came away to AmaZulu. That was the last of just two wins collected on the road in 13 away fixtures, but the Rockets have still proven to be a tough nut to crack in stealing a point from six of their hosts.
Next to welcome Adnan Beganovic’s men are the Buccaneers, who are likely set to finish as one of the top two performers on home soil this season. They dispatched Lamontville Golden Arrows in midweek, winning 3-0 at Orlando Stadium to bounce back after a rare defeat in their previous home fixture.
Out of a possible 36 points, Pirates have claimed a solid 30 through 10 wins, rarely stumbling in Soweto where they have suffered just two defeats. In their penultimate appearance in front of their home crowd this season, they will be determined to avoid another slip-up.
While the destination of the league title has been decided, there remains plenty to play for as the Buccaneers have another 12 points to fight for in what has been a solid fight for top honours.
Team News
The most significant change in Pirates’ setup for the match will be on the bench with Mandla Ncikazi assisted by Rayaan Jacobs heading the technical team following Riveiro’s departure. There could also be further tweaks among the playing personnel brought on by the quick turnaround in fixtures experienced in recent weeks.
Striker Evidence Makgopa is meanwhile in a race against time to recover for the clash after he was sidelined during the midweek outing in Orlando.
There is no notable injury or suspension worries for the visitors, who will have close to a full squad to pick from as they conclude their league campaign.
Key Players
Kabelo Dlamini (Orlando Pirates): With four goals and eight assists across competitions this season, the Bucs midfielder has been reliable when called upon and enters this particular fixture in excellent form. Dlamini has the ability to unlock stubborn defences through his vast passing range while also posing a considerable threat come set piece time.
Kamogelo Sebelebele (TS Galaxy): The young forward has been a revelation for the Rockets this season, producing a number of eye-catching performances. Mainly operating on the right flank, Sebelebele has eight goal contributions in all competitions with four in his last five appearances.
Head-to-Head
Pirates and Galaxy are set for only their 10th competitive meeting, with the previous nine all occurring in the Premiership. The most recent of these took place at Mbombela Stadium where the Buccaneers netted two unanswered goals through Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng to claim maximum points on the road.
A league double now beckons for Saturday’s hosts, who remain unbeaten at home in this fixture. They have only dropped points just once at Orlando Stadium, and that was in the very first fixture between the two sides which ended in a one-all draw after Bongani Sam’s early goal was cancelled out within the opening 20 minutes by Masilakhe Phohlongo.
The eight games played since then have all produced a winner, with the Soweto Giants emerging on the winning side five times. Their three defeats have all been on the road, and they head into this particular fixture determined to maintain their near-perfect record.
TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The match kicks off at 15:00 and will be 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
