Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership action midweek as they welcome Polokwane City to Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
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 Premiership campaign with both kicking things off with involvement in the MTN8.
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.
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 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.
These include their league season opener against Chippa United, which ended 2-1 in their favour after an injury- time winner from Monnapule Saleng.
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.