Bucs aim to diffuse dangerous Rockets
With Orlando Pirates hoping to keep up with the early pace set by the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, the Soweto giants will turn their attention to TS Galaxy in their next Betway Premiership assignment at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (CAT, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Since their 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants on 12 August, Pirates have not put a foot wrong in the Betway Premiership. The Buccaneers are currently on a four-match winning streak as they collected maximum points against Stellenbosch, Orbit College, Chippa United and more recently, Siwelele FC.
As it stands, Pirates are eighth on the table after six matches played, one point behind their upcoming opponents, who are in sixth place following their matchday seven obligation.
TS Galaxy commenced their campaign with back-to-back defeats against Durban City and Sekhukhune United last month, however, the Rockets managed to turn things around swiftly.
Adnan Beganovic’s side then went on a three-match winning streak, which included wins over Chippa United, Siwelele and Orbit College. Then, following a 1-1 stalemate with Richards Bay FC, TS Galaxy last bagged a 3-1 victory over AmaZulu on 24 September.
WHAT WAS SAID
Reflecting on his side’s latest league win against Siwelele, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed that he was happy with the three points while the club juggles a packed fixture schedule.
“You cannot say we played great football, but sometimes, you take the three points,” Ouaddou said.
“It was not easy, [to play again just] three days later and you have to compliment the boys.
“This team studied us well, they played a very compact block with a lot of aggression, they didn’t allow us to play. But we made changes again, and in the second half came the shot from Oswin Appollis.
“We will analyse what we must improve, but most important is that we took the three points.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando Pirates: Sipho Mbule – Alongside Oswin Appollis, Mbule has grown from strength to strength as one of the new recruits at Mayfair. Known as ‘the Master Chef’, the skilful midfielder will once again look to serve the forward players ahead of him, given his technical abilities on the ball.
TS Galaxy: Seluleko Mahlambi – After getting his name on the scoresheet during Galaxy’s 3-1 win over AmaZulu, Mahlambi will be eager to continue his positive goal-scoring form against tougher opposition such as the Buccaneers.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last five league matches
2024/25 – Orlando Pirates 1-1 TS Galaxy
2024/25 – TS Galaxy 0-2 Orlando Pirates
2023/24 - TS Galaxy 1-0 Orlando Pirates
2023/24 – Orlando Pirates 1-0 TS Galaxy
2022/23 – TS Galaxy 1-2 Orlando Pirates
#MotsepeFoundationChampionship rewind:
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) September 29, 2025
All the scores from matchday 5 in the competition ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9DGyIW6d0d
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