Orlando Pirates will kick off what they will hope will be a title-winning Betway Premiership season at home on Wednesday, 18 September against Chippa United.
Kick-off at the Orlando Stadium is at 19:30.
The Buccaneers will be looking to go one-better than their runner-up finish last season.
However, they will need to hit the ground running with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs already having emerged victorious in Week 1 action.
Form guide
It all begins with a clash against a team that has experienced different levels of activity to theirs in the weeks leading up to the start of their league campaign.
Chippa United’s last competitive fixture on the 25 May 2024 was their 2023/24 season finale, where they went down at home to Sekhukhune United to finish 12th in the league standings.
They have since had a few friendly matches as they look to sharpen up for the season ahead.
The Buccaneers have meanwhile been fully immersed in high-stakes encounters, playing several knockout fixtures both domestically and on the continent.
They have one foot in the CAF Champions League group stage after Saturday’s crucial 2-0 win in the away leg of their tie against Jwaneng Galaxy, while their MTN8 title defence continues with just the final
against Stellenbosch left to play.
In their six matches played since the start of the season, they have won four and drawn two and boast a 100% win record at Orlando Stadium having seen off SuperSport United and Cape Town City locally as well as Madagascar outfit, Disciples.
A different challenge awaits them at home as they look to bag the three points on offer against an equally determined Chippa outfit.
Team news
League debuts could be on the cards for new recruits Deano van Rooyen and Selaelo Rasebotja, who both ran out in Bucs colours for the first time over the weekend.
The home side has also been bolstered by the imminent return of Paseka Mako after he was declared fit to resume training earlier in the week.
Meanwhile the visitors could be sporting a host of new faces, following their activity on the transfer window which saw them bring on the likes of Andile Jali and Gadiel Kamagi along with Azola Matrose, who has rejoined the club from the Buccaneers.
Key players
Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates): The experienced campaigner has hit top form early in the season, and will be eager to continue in the same vein as the Buccaneers kick off their league campaign. His effectiveness in open play and on set pieces has shone through in his recent performances for club and country, where he has registered three goals in his last our appearances.
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United): Fresh off back-to-back clean sheets in national colours, the Nigerian shot stopper is one of a handful Chippa players who have registered some competitive game time this season. The 28-year-old’s influence from between the sticks has been key to the Eastern Cape side, who have benefited from the stability he offers on defence.
Head-to-head
The two sides met on three occasions last season, with Chippa snatching a league point in the first encounter at Nelson Mandela Stadium. This was before Pirates claimed victory in a Nedbank Cup clash at the same venue, which they followed up with a Premiership win at Orlando Stadium a few days later.
Ahead of their 23rd league encounter, the Buccaneers go in looking to further establish their status as the dominant force in their rivalry, having won 15 of the matches played so far while only losing three times. However, it hasn’t all been one-way traffic over the past few seasons with the Chilli Boys’ most recent victory only dating back to August 2022 when they famously stunned the Soweto Giants in their own backyard.
TV coverage and ticket info
The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL.
Tickets to attend the game are available online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.
Prediction
Orland Pirates 3-1 Chippa United
Where will Orlando Pirates finish the season in the standings?
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