Bucs return to league action against Babina Noko

Orlando Pirates will be looking to bounce back from their Caf Champions League disappointment when they turn their attention to the Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.

CURRENT FORM

Placed second in the league standings, Pirates have two games in hand over first-placed Mamelodi Sundowns. There’s plenty of ground for the Buccaneers to cover if they are to challenge Downs for the league.

They are unbeaten in their last four league matches, with their most recent result being a 1-0 away win over Polokwane City.

On the other hand, Sekhukhune United are targeting a Caf finish themselves this season in the Betway Premiership. Eric Tinkler’s men are placed third in the standings, and are coming off the back of a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy.

WHAT WAS SAID

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi said that Pirates should be proud of their Caf campaign, despite falling short in reaching the final.

“They didn’t even need to get to the final, as South Africans we should just be proud of how much improvement South African football has had in the past few years,” said Mngqithi.

“And to see Pirates back and going as far as they went, to me, that was very positive. Sometimes we forget that maybe in the previous season they could not even make the quarterfinal, but when you see them go as far as they did, you should be proud and see that the PSL has improved in leaps and bounds.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mohau Nkota, Orlando Pirates – The young winger scored in the Caf tie against Pyramids, and will be looking to carry that form over to the Betway Premiership as Pirates look to finish off their domestic campaign on a positive note.

Chibuike Ohizu, Sekhukhune United – The Nigerian striker scored in the team’s draw against Galaxy, where he started the game. He will be hoping for yet another start against the Soweto giants to cement his place in the starting line-up going forward.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST FIVE LEAGUE RESULTS

2022/23 Sekhukhune 2-0 Pirates Mokwana, Mncube

2022/23 Pirates 1-1 Sekhukhune Dzvukamanja; Gyimah

2023/24 Pirates 1-0 Sekhukhune Monyane

2023/24 Sekhukhune 2-1 Pirates Mncube, Mntambo; Mabasa

2024/25 Sekhukhune 1-2 Pirates Mntambo; Hotto, Makhaula