Pirates hunt Sundowns. Gallants hunt a first win. New coach says he’s never lost to Bucs
Orlando Pirates are in Rustenburg this afternoon with the log table in mind. Marumo Gallants are there with survival in mind.
Royal Bafokeng Stadium is the venue, and the game is a Betway Premiership clash.
The Buccaneers need points to eat into Mamelodi Sundowns’ lead. Bottom-placed Gallants still need a first win of the season.
They have a new man on the touchline. Ronnie Kanalelo took the job this week. The former Sundowns goalkeeper walked in talking history.
“There is an energy and spirit that I am taking into this game. Of the many matches I have played against Pirates, I have never lost,” said Kanalelo.
One footnote: 26 October 2002. Same stadium. Pirates beat Sundowns 2-0, Benedict Vilakazi and the late Lesley Manyathela. Kanalelo was in goal that day. The “never lost” line is about him as a player against Pirates — not that afternoon.
No new Pirates injury scares. Gamphani Lungu is back in the squad.
Pirates XI: Chaine; Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba, Sebelebele; Selepe, Mokobodi, Masilela; Moremi, Kgositsile, Mbuthuma
Subs: Dladla, Zulu, Hotto, Mthiyane, Nemtajela, Padime, Appollis, Lungu, Pedersen
Sundowns wait at the top. Pirates want to catch up. Gallants wait for a first three points. Interesting fixture.
