Orlando Pirates vs Chippa United: Preview, team news, time and where to watch

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Orlando Pirates vs Chippa United: Preview, team news, time and where to watch
Image - Pirates

Orlando Pirates have an opportunity to move level on points with PSL leaders Mamelodi Sundowns when they host Chippa United on Tuesday evening.

Pirates are on 22 points, just three behind Sundowns, but have two games in hand over the Brazilians, having played 10, and the first will be against the Chilli Boys.

The Buccaneers have been on a roll, losing just one of their last 18 games, winning 15 and drawing two, while they have been very hard to beat.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team would not have wished for the best opponent to play their game in hand against as they host a Chippa team that is bottom of the table and out of confidence, having won just one of their 12 games.

Form guide

Orlando Pirates in training

Pirates come into the game on the back of a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, a period in which they have won five and drawn one, while they have conceded three goals and scored 11 over that time.

Overall, Pirates are yet to lose domestically since their back-to-back league defeats at the start of the season, with only their 1-1 draw with Sundowns denying them a perfect record in the PSL since then.

Meanwhile, Chippa United are in shambles and on their fourth coach in as many months after Vusumuzi Vilakazi took over from Luc Eymael, who was hired after the dismissal of Musa Nyatama, who took over from Sinethemba Badela.

The result of the many coaching changes is just one win in 12 league games, coming on September 16 against Orbit College, and since then, it has been four defeats and three draws.

Orlando Pirates players in training. Photo Orlano Pirates

Head-to-head record

Chippa are good customers for Pirates who have beaten them in their last five meetings and are unbeaten against them in seven, the Chilli Boys last securing victory over the Soweto giants on August 2022.

In the form they are in, only the brave will bet against Pirates making it win number six on the bounce at Orlando Stadium.

Team news

Pirates confirmed that midfielder Sihle Nduli, who missed the Carling Knockout clash against Richards Bay, is now available, while long-term absentees Olisa Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula will not be involved but are inching closer to featuring for the first time this season.

Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi will not play as he is in the United States reportedly to seal a move to MLS club Chicago Fire.

Vusumuzi Vilakazi Chippa United

What has been said?

“Expectations are always similar, Pirates must win,” said Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi. “We are ready to perform and battle for three points. That is the important part for us and I am sure with everything that has happened and the rest from the team, we are ready to gain three points.”

Time and where to watch

The match will kick off at 19:30 at Orlando Stadium and will be live on SuperSport TV.

Orlando Pirates predicted lineup

Chaine; Van Rooyen, Hotto, Sibisi, Seema; Namtajela, Mbatha, Mbule; Appollis, Moremi, Makgopa 

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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