Golden Arrows vs Orlando Pirates: Preview, team news, time & where to watch

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Orlando Pirates are set to continue with their push for the Premier Soccer League title when they play Golden Arrows in the midweek assignment.

Abafana Bes'thende are pushing for a positive outcome to improve their chances of playing in the 2025/26 MTN8 assignment.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record

The Sea Robbers have, to date, lost just three Premier Soccer League matches from the 14 played in the ongoing campaign.

Orlando Pirates players celebrate a goal against CR Beloiuzdad. Photo Orlando Pirates 1 1

Last weekend, the Buccaneers defeated Baroka FC 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup to get their quarter-final ticket.

After a good start to the season, Arrows lost it along the way. They have since five wins, five draws, and as many losses in this edition. Arrows are winless in their last four outings across all competitions.

In the head-to-head record, Pirates have won four out of the last five meetings, with the the fixture ending in a draw. Bucs claimed a massive 7-1 win the last time they played each other.

What They Said

Pirates are currently second on the PSL table with 33 points from 14 games, nine points less than defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns who have played two more games.

Riveiro reveals why he values 7-match winning record more than reaching 100 matches in charge
Jose Riveiro – Picture by Orlando Pirates

“The league is a marathon, it’s 30 games, and I’m going give you a couple of topics about football, but it’s the truth. There are good teams now who are in a good moment of form,” the Spaniard stated.

“For example, what happened the other day with Galaxy and Sundowns, for me it’s not a surprise because we all know how difficult it is to go to Mbombela Stadium. Even last season, I think Galaxy was the best team with home matches after Sundowns, if I’m not wrong. 

“We are playing every two days. It’s the same with Sundowns, so having a bad day is something normal, human, and acceptable,” he concluded. 

Team News and Starting XI

Abafana Bes'thende have no injured players, and no new injuries have been reported by the team. It means they will be aiming at having the best on the pitch against the Soweto giants.

Golden Arrows

Coach Jose Riveiro will have to do without the services of Kabelo Dlamini who is suspended. Just like Arrows, no new injuries have been reported.

Arrows Probable XI: Watenga, Shitolo, Theron, Phillips, Cele, Dube, Sibeko, Sibiya, Ndwandwe, B. Cele, Van Rooi

Pirates Probable XI: Chaine, Xoki, Mako, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Makhaula, Ndlondlo, Maswanganyi, Mabasa, Mofokeng.

Where to Watch

For those who will not get a chance to attend the match live at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday, SuperSport's PSL channel 202 will broadcast the game live from 19.30 SAT.

Golden Arrows vs Orlando Pirates: Preview, team news, time & where to watch

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.