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Bucs in fight mode ahead of crucial Arrows tie

rugby06 April 2026 09:40| © Backpage TXT
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Orlando Pirates © Gallo Images

Following a convincing win in their most recent Betway Premiership assignment, Orlando Pirates will once again challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for top spot when they face Golden Arrows at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night.

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

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CURRENT FORM

As it stands, Pirates have accumulated 51 points from 22 matches played and will go into their next tie sitting two points behind log leaders Sundowns in second position.

The Soweto giants rediscovered their touch in front of goal during their last league match, recording a mammoth 6-0 away win against TS Galaxy on 22 March.

Overall, Pirates noted four wins and one draw in their last five Betway Premiership encounters, while boasting the best defensive record after conceding just nine goals all season.

Arrows on the other hand are in eighth place, with 28 points from 22 games played. Abafana Bes’thende could make it two wins on the spin this week after noting a 1-0 win against Sekhukhune United shortly before the international break.

Regarding their form sheet, Arrows recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five as they seek to finish in the Betway Premiership top eight this season.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking after Pirates’ massive win over Galaxy, Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed that his side sent a strong message amid chasing their first league title since the 2011/12 campaign.

“I think it’s more than a reaction, it’s a fantastic game for us,” Ouaddou said.

“This result is a very good answer to people who had doubts about the commitment of the players. There’s nobody in my team that comes into the pitch with an intention to lose or draw.

“So, congratulations to the boys today. We send the strong message that we are not tired and we are going to fight until the last second like I said."

 

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando Pirates: Relebohile Mofokeng – On the back of an impressive hat-trick against the Rockets, Mofokeng will be raring to go again this week. Mofokeng are among the top performing players in the land currently and will be crucial to Pirates’ title aspirations in the next couple weeks.

Golden Arrows: Sabelo Sithole – Apart from scoring against Sekhukhune United last time out, the Arrows defender will be tasked to stop one of the best attacking sides in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday. Nonetheless, Sithole finds himself in good spirits heading into this week’s fixture against the Sea Robbers.

HEAD TO HEAD

Last five league results

2023/24 Golden Arrows 1-2 Orlando Pirates

2023/24 Orlando Pirates 7-1 Golden Arrows

2024/25 Golden Arrows 1-2 Orlando Pirates

2024/25 Orlando Pirates 3-0 Golden Arrows

2025/26 Golden Arrows 1-3 Orlando Pirates

Overall:

Games: 49

Pirates wins: 27

Arrows wins: 7

Draws: 15

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