Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership action as they welcome Polokwane City to the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, 24 September.
It’s a rare afternoon kick-off in the middle of the week for the two sides, who will offer some entertainment for football lovers as South Africa celebrates Heritage Day.
Form guide
For both teams, the new season began nearly a month prior to the start of the Betway Premiership campaign with both kicking things off with involvement in the MTN8.
Polokwane City’s cup run was a brief one, as they fell on the first hurdle against Mamelodi Sundowns.
They resumed preparations for league football, where they have had a dream start with victories over AmaZulu and the newly promoted Magesi FC.
Having finished the previous season as the biggest surprise package, they’re back in the top half of the standings in second place with four goals scored and just one conceded.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, take to the field for only the second time in the Betway Premiership this season, having shifted attention to continental football over the weekend. It was a successful outing for the Soweto giants, who completed a 3-0 aggregate win over Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy to book a spot in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
The result was the latest in a string of good outcomes for Jose Riveiro’s men, who remain unbeaten in eight matches this season with six wins and two draws.
This includes their league season opener against Chippa United, which ended 2-1 in their favour after an injury-time winner from Monnapule Saleng.
Orlando Pirates have been particularly impressive on home soil, where they have won each of their five fixtures, and will be keen to stretch their streak with another three-pointer against the visiting Rise and Shine.
Team news
Having made a few changes on the weekend, Riveiro could be tempted to make some rotations again amid a busy season start.
Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng were introduced in the second half against Jwaneng and could be restored to the starting lineup this week.
Meanwhile, the Bucs medical team continues to make progress on the injury front, with Tapelo Xoki and Paseka Mako among those who are now working on match fitness after months on the sidelines.
Squad rotation may be on the cards for City as well, with striker Sibusiso Tshabalala among those likely to see more game time following an impressive cameo against Magesi.
Key players
Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates): The 26-year-old has been a key contributor to Pirates’ recent success and has hit top form ahead of Tuesday’s encounter. Through a combination of blistering pace and technical skill, Saleng is a constant threat down the flank and will be eager to continue his goal scoring run, having netted in each of the Buccaneers’ last two outings.
Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City): The highly-rated fullback enjoyed a breakthrough season last term and has carried his form into the current campaign. With a goal and an assist already this season, Matuludi has been more than effective in supporting his side’s offensive play.
Head-to-head
The Soweto giants have a fine league record against the Limpopo outfit, who last tasted victory in this fixture during their first season in the top flight.
Head-to-head results since then have strongly favoured Pirates as they boast eight wins in the last 16 matches, with the other half finishing in a stalemate.
The most recent of their victories came earlier this year when a second-half strike from Evidence Makgopa ensured a vital away win for the Buccaneers. City head into the fixture still yet to win at Orlando Stadium, where they have lost four and drawn five.
TV coverage and ticket info
The match starts at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL.
Tickets to attend the game are available online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.
Score prediction?
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