Sekhukhune look to bounce back against Buccaneers

Sekhukhune United will want to get back in the wins column, while Orlando Pirates will look to retake top spot in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, as the clubs face one another at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Sekhukhune’s 2026 did not start as the club would have wanted.

Babina Noko fell 1-0 to Stellenbosch at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening. At the same time, Kaizer Chiefs claimed a 1-0 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows to overtake Sekhukhune on the Betway Premiership log.

The Polokwane-based side sits fourth on the table, two points behind AmaKhosi and four points behind league-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Eric Tinkler’s men have managed only one win in their last four league games and have now registered seven wins, four draws and three losses. They will be looking to close the gap at the top of the table.

Orlando Pirates will be looking to continue its superb start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The Buccaneers sit second on the table with 28 points from 12 games, one point behind Sundowns. However, the Buccaneers have played two less league games. They have managed nine wins, one draw and two losses and are unbeaten in the league since 12 August 2025.

One of those two losses came against Sekhukhune in the club’s opening fixture of the season.

Pirates will look to continue their fine form and wrestle first place on the log back from the Brazilians.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking after his side’s loss to Stellenbosch on Tuesday, Sekhukhune United head coach Eric Tinkler knows his side will be motivated to bounce back against tough opposition.

“I don’t think it is a setback because when you play the big [clubs], some of our players are always motivated,” said Tinkler.

“You wish they could be motivated for these smaller games the way they are for the bigger games. I don’t think it is much of a setback —the players will be ready for the game against Pirates.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sekhukhune United - Bradley Grobler has stalled since his hot start to the season. The 37-year-old has bagged six goals one one assist for Babina Noko in the league, but has failed to score in his last four league fixtures. He will be eager to get his name back on the scoresheet.

Orlando Pirates - Oswin Appolis has enjoyed his start to life as a Buccaneer, bagging five goal contributions in 12 league games. He scored twice in four appearances for Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations and will be looking to continue his fine form in front of goal.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (league fixtures)

Sekhukhune wins: 4

Orlando Pirates wins: 4

Draws: 1