Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu are set to engage battle once more this weekend as they lock horns in a DStv Premiership encounter at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Seven days since squaring up in a thrilling cup encounter held at Moses Mabhida Stadium, three league points are on the line this time around with Soweto hosting the two oldest clubs in the top flight.
Form Guide
Usuthu take to the road with a point to prove after bowing out of the Nedbank Cup following the epic clash that finished in a 4-2 scoreline in favour of the Buccaneers.
They remain in the bottom half of the league table with seven games left to play and will look to improve on their recent return, having managed just six points out of a possible 15 through one win and three draws in their last five games.
A win on Saturday will be their second in as many recent away games and has the potential to launch them up from 12th place to within touching distance of a spot in the top eight.
However, they face a daunting challenge as they come up against a Pirates side high in confidence after notching up an astonishing 11 goals in their last two outings.
The Soweto Giants start the weekend in third place in the standings after their 7-1 routing of Lamontville Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium.
With eight points earned through two wins and as many draws in their last five league games, Jose Riveiro’s troops will be on a mission to add another three to their tally.
Further success against Usuthu could see them swap spots with second-placed Stellenboscg, putting them on good footing in what has shaped up to be a fierce contest for spots in continental competition next season.
Team News
Defensive duo Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki are again in contention for places in the match-day squad after both players missed out on the trip to Durban through suspension.
Another boost for Pirates is the looming return of striker Evidence Makgopa, who is back at training after over a month on the sidelines.
For AmaZulu, midfielder Ethan Brooks is again an option for coach Pablo Franco Martin having served the one-match suspension that forced him out of the cup quarterfinal.
Key Players
Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates): The attacking midfielder was instrumental in the Buccaneers’ victory over the weekend, putting on a near-flawless display en route to being named Man of the Match. A constant threat in opposition territory, Maswanganyi has impressed with his ability to punch holes in the most resilient of defences and has chipped in with 16 goal contributions in all competitions this season.
Pule Ekstein (AmaZulu): Ekstein was AmaZulu’s standout player at Moses Mabhida, continuing his impressive form for the Durban-based outfit. The 33-year-old’s experience and versatility make him a crucial asset for Usuthu, who have deployed him in various positions in the midfield.
Head-to-Head
Saturday’s cup win stretched Pirates’ long unbeaten run over AmaZulu, who last tasted victory against the Soweto Giants in an away league clash in August 2013 when Bongani Ndulula’s 33rd-minute strike separated the two sides.
The Durban outfit has since gone 15 league games without a win, with the Buccaneers emerging victorious on seven occasions while eight fixtures have finished in a draw.
The last of these stalemates occurred earlier this season when neither side managed to find the net in the Premiership clash held at Moses Mabhida.
How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu
The game kicks off at 17:30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will be posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms and the Club’s official mobile app throughout the match.
Tickets are available online on TicketPro and selected outlets nationwide.
