This coming Saturday, Orlando Pirates will welcome Mamelodi Sundowns in a DStv Premiership match at Orlando Stadium. This will be a different test for the Buccaneers than the one they faced last weekend.
This highly anticipated matchup is the highlight of the weekend’s league action as the two teams meet for the fourth time this season.
Prior to shifting attention to cup competition the following week, the Buccaneers will prioritize securing three points in an effort to cut the gap with the league’s frontrunners, who will be attempting to advance in their pursuit of the championship.
Form Guide
It is a matchup between two clubs coming off victories in their most recent matches, both of which won 2-0 last weekend.
After defeating Marumo Gallants on the road, the Soweto Giants have won three consecutive matches and are undefeated at home since the beginning of the year, having won both games at Orlando Stadium comfortably.
After falling to seventh place in early January, the Buccaneers have since climbed to fourth in the standings and might reach second place on Saturday if they continue to score freely.
It will not be as simple, however, as they face a team that has essentially entered each of their matches this season as the overwhelming favorite.
Sundowns are now on a stunning run of 14 consecutive league victories and are 21 points ahead of the rest of the competition.
In addition to pursuing a sixth consecutive league championship, the Tshwane Giants are aiming for a perfect away record this season.
Team Updates
The match takes place just days after the conclusion of the January transfer window, during which Pirates announced the loaning out of striker Zakhele Lepasa to SuperSport United and welcomed new players.
Makhehlene Makhaula, a midfielder, joined Craig Martin and Souaibou Marou as the Club’s midseason purchases, which were announced on the day of the transfer deadline.
Sundowns have been the less active of the two teams in January’s transfer market, with no confirmed acquisitions.
Over the previous month, both teams have dealt with long-term injuries, and a number of players have yet to appear in the new year.
After weeks on the sidelines, Olisa Ndah and Thembinkosi Lorch are nearing a return for the Pirates, while Terrence Mashego and Erwin Saavedra have been unavailable for Sundowns.
The visitors have at least one confirmed absentee in offensive midfielder Marcos Allende, who was sent off during the 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United and will begin serving a two-match suspension on Saturday.
Key Players
Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates): The midfielder has repaid the faith placed in him by delivering consistent performances in the middle of the field, and he will need to do so again on Saturday. Monare’s unrivaled work ethic has earned him a regular spot in the Buccaneers’ starting lineup, where he has contributed significantly to their recent success.
Shalulile, Peter (Mamelodi Sundowns): With nine goals in just 14 league appearances, the Namibian international is a constant threat to score and will dominate the defense’s attention. At Orlando Stadium, the 29-year-old leader in goals scored this season will attempt to reach double figures.
Head-to-Head
In this season’s three competitive meetings between the two teams, all three conceivable outcomes have occurred.
Following a scoreless first leg of their MTN 8 semifinal tie, the Buccaneers secured a 3-0 triumph before the Brazilians earned a home victory in the league match played in December of last year.
Despite recently ending a lengthy losing streak against the Tshwane club, the Soweto Giants will enter Saturday’s match still seeking a league victory against their Gauteng rivals, a task they last accomplished in January 2020.
How to Stream the Orlando Pirates vs. Mamelodi Sundowns Match
The game will begin at 15:30 and will be aired live on SuperSport PSL. The Orlando Pirates will also provide live updates on all of their social media sites.
On Saturday, four hours prior to kickoff, tickets are still available online at TicketPro and select retail shops, as well as at the Orlando East Community Hall.
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