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Pirates look to reel in Sundowns

football30 October 2025 14:45| © Backpage TXT
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Orlando Pirates © Backpagepix

Orlando Pirates could draw level with Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership standings when the two sides clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

Mamelodi Sundowns sit top of the table in the Betway Premiership with 21 points from 10 games, losing one game, drawing three and winning six.

The reigning champions defeated Remo Stars of Nigeria 2-0 last weekend in the second leg of their CAF Champions League tie which saw Masandawana win 7-1 on aggregate.

With no Carling Knockout fixture to catch up on - as they have been knocked out of the competition - Masandawana should be well rested for the challenge ahead.

Pirates have had a mixed season in terms of results.

The Buccaneers have two games in hand in the Betway Premiership and sit just three points behind Sundowns on the log.

They could pull level with a game in hand with a win at Loftus on Saturday.

However, the Bucs crashed out of the CAF Champions League on penalties against Saint-Éloi Lupopo, losing on penalties in the second leg after a three-goal comeback from the Bucs.

They are back in the win column after beating reigning champions Magesi 2-1 in the Carling Knockout at home on Tuesday.

The two sides have met twice already this season in the MTN8, with both games standing at 1-1 after regulation time.

Pirates advanced to the final after winning 4-1 on penalties in the second leg, going on to win the competition for a fourth consecutive year.

TEAM NEWS

Sundowns will not be able to field midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena or new signing Miguel Reisinho as both players are serving suspensions, Mokoena for yellow cards accumulated and Reisinho for a red card received against Marumo Gallants.

Masandawana will also be without the injured Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners, Malibongwe Khoza and Mothobi Mvala.

Pirates could receive a boost as Deano van Rooyen was on the bench for the Buccaneers on Tuesday after picking up an injury early in the season.

However, midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja and defender Thabiso Sesane are not fully fit and ready, alongside Olisa Ndah, Makhehleni Makhaula and Tapelo Xoki.

Relebohile Mofokeng has also been absent after picking up an injury before the last international break in October.

WHAT WAS SAID

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed his frustration with his players’ lack of killer instinct in their 2-1 win over Magesi on Tuesday.

“As a coach, I want to attract the attention of my players that football is scoring goals. When you have the possibility to score goals, score goals. Like I told you just before, at the end of the league, every goal is very important.

“Don't joke. We are not here to joke. We are here to perform. We are here to give results. If somebody wants to enjoy, to joke, no problem. He can go to make five-a-side with his colleagues, but we are not here to joke. We are here to reach some targets.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mamelodi Sundowns - Nuno Santos has gotten off to a great start for Sundowns. The Portuguese midfielder is a dangerous threat as both a playmaker and scorer, and will be a handful for the Orlando Pirates defence to deal with.

Orlando Pirates - Tshepang Moremi could be the key figure for the Buccaneers on Saturday. He scored the first goal against Magesi on Tuesday and has seven goals in 14 games across all competitions this season. His pace and ability to find the target will make him a serious threat to Masandawana.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (league fixtures)

Total

P W D L GF GA

Sundowns 81 38 21 22 109 72

Pirates 81 22 21 38 72 109

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