Pirates set to pounce on Polokwane City

Orlando Pirates will look to close the gap at the top of the table as they host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Orlando Pirates struggled in their return from the international break and suffered a 3-0 defeat to Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi on Sunday, ending their 11-game unbeaten run.

Their hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage now rests on the return leg of their second preliminary round clash which will be played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

In the Betway Premiership, the Buccaneers have bounced back after a poor start to the season.

They are third on the log, having collected 15 points from seven games.

After two losses to start their campaign, the Bucs have won all five subsequent league games and will look to keep their momentum rolling.

With three games in hand, they are six points behind Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table.

Polokwane City are also on 15 points, but have played two more games than Pirates in the Betway Premiership.

Rise and Shine sit sixth in the Betway Premiership, having collected four wins, two losses and three draws.

In their last outing before the international break, Polokwane City were bounced from the Carling Knockout in the first round at the hands of Durban City, who claimed a 4-1 victory on 3 October.

Their last league outing, however, resulted in a 1-0 upset win over a strong Sekhukhune United side at the end of September.

The two sides have already met this season in the first round of the MTN8, where Pirates emerged as 2-0 victors in the season opener for both teams.

WHAT WAS SAID

After his side’s Carling Knockout win over Siwelele before the international break, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said his side would not doubt themselves should they slip up.

“We are in a good dynamic, but at any time you can have a bad moment. Even at that time, you don't have to doubt your competencies and you have to continue. It's our daily work,” said Ouaddou.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando Pirates - Oswin Appolis: Appolis showed his talent on international duty, bagging two assists and a goal in Bafana Bafana’s 3-0 win over Rwanda to claim a spot at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The winger netted against his former team in August and will be looking to do so again.

Polokwane City - Thabang Matuludi: Recently on the bench for Bafana Bafana, Matuludi is an integral member of Polokwane City’s defence.

The 26-year-old will be looking to lock down the Pirates attack and show his pedigree on Wednesday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (league record)

Orlando Pirates wins: 10

Polokwane City wins: 1

Draws: 7