The Buccaneers are looking to continue their fine run of form
Orlando Pirates will aim to ‘keep cooking’ when they host Polokwane City in their second PSL match of the season on Tuesday.
Pirates are still unbeaten this season and sealed their place in the CAF Champions League group stages after getting their revenge against Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana and can now turn their focus to league action.
The Buccaneers have been finding a way to win even when not playing well and coach Jose Riveiro will be encouraged by the never say die mentality within his squad.
Head-to-head
Pirates have bossed this fixture as they have won five out of the last six meetings against Polokwane City.
The Bucs had won four straight games against Polokwane before last season when Rise and Shine forced a 1-1 draw in October but Riveiro’s side would win the second leg 2-1 in March this year.
It leaves Pirates the overwhelming favourites to collect maximum points and few will bet against them given their great home record this season.
The Sea Robbers have been too hot to handle at the Orlando Stadium, winning all five matches, which should worry Tuesday’s opponents.
| Head-to-head | P | W | D | L | GF | GA |
| Pirates | 16 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 26 | 11 |
| Polokwane | 16 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 26 |
Form guide
Pirates are unbeaten in all eight games they have played this season, having already sealed a place in the MTN8 final, as well as the group stages of the CAF Champions League.
In the eight games, Riveiro’s side have failed to score just once, being the away clash against Disciplines FC of Madagascar in August, with five of the other seven seeing them score two or more goals.
Polokwane, meanwhile, will not be pushovers as they have won back-to-back league games against AmaZulu and Magesi to collect maximum points.
Phuti Mohafe’s side started the season with an unlucky 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter-final but have responded with 2-1 and 2-0 victories against AmaZulu and Magesi respectively.
What have they said?
Mohafe is happy that the club was able to keep hold of their key players Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi.
“For them [Appollis and Thabang Matuludi] still being here is a boost for Polokwane City,” the tactician said after the win over Magesi.
“Their availability is making us stronger than last season and it makes us continue to play well as a team. It gives us hope that we can fight for something in this season.
“Maybe one of the cups just for improvement and growth as a team. Yes, one we can go for it, and we can go all out.”
Meanwhile, Champions League progression gives Riveiro confidence that his charges have come of age.
“We have an interesting group there. Group of young and talented players – a bunch of winners,” Riveiro said after their 1-0 win over Jwaneng Galaxy on Saturday.
“They want to continue improving and winning, and again having the continuity to play in this type of tournament – the African Champions League.
“An interesting tournament against quality opponents and tough games, so every pinch of experience will come and our players going to the national team, playing in Afcon.”
Team news
Pirates have not reported any new injury concerns apart from long-term absentees Zakhele Lepasa and Goodman Mosele while Polokwane expect to have everyone available.
Time & where to watch?
It is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 and is televised on SuperSport PSL (Channel 202), DStv Stream and Showmax Premier League for live streaming
Tickets for the encounter are on sale at TicketPro outlets including Spar supermarkets, Boxer and various filling stations at R60 per ticket.
Predicted lineups
Pirates predicted XI: Chaine, Ndah, Sesane, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Makhaula, Dlamini, Mofokeng, Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mabasa
Polokwane City XI: Sapunga, Matuludi, Nikani, Nkaki, Nkwe, Kambala, Alexander, Maphangule, Nana, Chauke, Ramabu
