Gallants vs Pirates: Preview, team news, time and where to watch

Orlando Pirates will be keen to right the wrongs of last weekend when they face Marumo Gallants in their second PSL match of the season on Tuesday night.

Pirates received a reality check when they lost 1-0 to Sekhukhune United in their season-opening match on Saturday, despite dominating every aspect of the game, and cannot afford another poor result.

New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be facing his former side early in the season and will not want to lose to them as that would bring an air of negativity at Pirates when they are supposed to be the main challengers to Mamelodi Sundowns for the PSL title.

Thalente Mbatha Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants — Image – Orlando Pirates

Gallants vs Pirates form guide

Momentum is with Gallants as they started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Richards Bay also on Saturday which extended their run to five matches without defeat stretching to last season.

However, Pirates will feel confident as the 1-0 loss was a result of a failure to take their chances rather than not playing well given they battered Babina Noko but did not utilise their opportunities.

Their loss to Sekhukhune came after two straight defeats and as many draws in their previous four matches which should give them confidence.

Gallants vs Pirates head-to-head

Pirates have been dominant over Gallants as they are undefeated against them in eight of their 10 meetings.

That includes two wins over them last season, one in the PSL and another one in the Nedbank Cup, with their first meeting of the 2024-25 season ending with an 8-1 thrashing by the Buccaneers last December.

However, Ouaddou masterminded a 2-0 win for Gallants over Pirates in March which should give the home team belief.

Deano van Rooyen Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants

Orlando Pirates team news

Ouaddou will be taking on his former team Gallants who he ditched for Pirates in June and he heads there under pressure to impress.

The Pirates coach also has some selection decisions to make after he was questioned over his move to drop Tshegofatso Mabasa in favour of Boitumelo Radiopane, who started the match, with Yanela Mbuthuma on the bench.

After Tshepho Mashiloane and Kamogelo Sebelebele made their debuts, joining Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis, Masindi Nemtajela, Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Nkosikhona Ndaba will be hoping to be the next new signings to get a run out in a Bucs shirt.