Pirates to close the gap on Sundowns?

With Mamelodi Sundowns away on CAF Champions League duty this weekend, Orlando Pirates will once again glance at the Betway Premiership summit as they prepare to take on Magesi on Saturday.

Largely considered as one of the closest battles for the South African league title in recent memory, Pirates will be eager to dethrone Sundowns this season, with the latter challenging for their ninth league title in succession.

Pirates last claimed the league trophy during the 2011/12 campaign, while this time around their chances appear to be encouraging.

The Buccaneers will now take on Magesi at the newly named Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday sitting three points behind Sundowns in third position. However, the Soweto giants still have two games in hand amid a decent spell of results. Pirates jotted down three wins and two draws in their last five Betway Premiership encounters, while they boast the best defensive record in the league after 13 matches played.

Magesi on the other hand, are rooted to the bottom of the table with 11 points to their name after 14 matches played. The Limpopo side have won just two matches throughout the entire league campaign, one of which came in their last five outings. Overall, Magesi recorded two losses, two draws and a single victory during this period.

Chippa United will likewise hope to escape the relegation grip this weekend when they take on Durban City at the Buffalo Stadium in East London on Saturday afternoon.

The Chilli Boys currently occupy the Relegation playoff spot in 15th on 12 points, just one point away from safety. However, as a morale booster, Chippa United will head into their next league assignment on the back of a 1-0 win over Orbit College.

Betway Premiership fixtures:

Friday, 30 January

Richards Bay v Golden Arrows

Saturday, 31 January

Marumo Gallants v AmaZulu

Chippa United v Durban City

Orlando Pirates v Magesi

Polokwane City v Orbit College

Sunday, 1 February

TS Galaxy v Sekhukhune United