Orlando Pirates host defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB on Sunday.
This will be a crucial game for either team; the former hope to secure maximum point to keep alive their slim hopes of ending Masandawana's dominance. The visitors know victory will bring them close to their eighth consecutive league title.
The Brazilains have an 18-point gap, meaning victory this weekend will extend it to 21 from 23 outings.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
Recently, the Sea Robbers have been blowing hot and cold; for instance, they have won just two of the last five league games, losing as many and drawing once.
However, they made it to the Nedbank Cup semi-final after beating SuperSport United on penalties.
Masandawana have secured four wins from a possible five in recent league assignments. It explains why they are tipped to silence their hosts.
In the head-to-head record, Sundowns have won two of the last five meetings across all competitions in regulation time, with Bucs getting one and two ending in draws. In the latest league game, Sundowns beat the Buccaneers 4-1 at Loftius Versfeld Stadium.
What They Said
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos warned Pirates against losing this game, insisting they may not catch Downs.
“It's important for Sundowns, but it's also important for Pirates. I think if Pirates lose that game, it's definitely finished to be champions. So it's a very important game for both sides. Let's hope and pray there are no injuries,” he stated.
However, Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa is confident the result this weekend – be it positive or negative, will not stop Pirates from challenging for the league crown.
“I don’t think our title chances depend on this game against Sundowns. We still have a lot of games to play, we still have a lot of points to fight for and anything is possible in football. But we know that on Sunday we have to go out there and fight. Hopefully, we get all three points, which would take us in the right direction if we want to win this league,” he said ahead of the game.
“We want more, we want success for this club, it’s a big brand and we have to keep on performing. There’s a lot of pressure from outside, but together as a group we believe we can achieve many more things this season.”
Team News and Starting XI
Bucs are set to have all their key players available, save for those who are nursing long-term injuries. Patrick Maswanganyi is set to be reinstated in the starting team after fully recovering from an injury.
Mamelodi Sundowns were boosted by the return of their top goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who has been out nursing an injury.
Marcelo Allende is expected to come back into the starting team after missing out the AmaZulu win.
Orlando Pirates Probable XI: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Makhaula, Mosele, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Nkota, Mabasa
Sundowns Probable XI: Williams, Kekana, Suarez, Mudau, Lunga, Adams, Mokoena, Allende, Ribeiro, Rayners, Shalulile
Where to Watch
The game will be live on Supersport's Premier Soccer League channel 202 on Sunday from 15.30h.
