Orlando Pirates will begin the post-Jose Riveiro era with a tricky match at home to TS Galaxy on Saturday looking to maintain their good run.
Riveiro bid the Pirates faithful farewell on Tuesday, when his team thrashed Golden Arrows 3-0, and leaves the team in the hands of his deputy Mandla Ncikazi, who is set to be in charge until the end of the season.
Ncikazi will oversee four matches and the first is against TS Galaxy who need a victory to be really sure of their place in the top eight.
Pirates had pushed Mamelodi Sundowns in the title race but the Brazilians had enough quality to seal the title on Wednesday with a game to spare and what is left for the Buccaneers is to ensure they narrow the gap.
Form guide
Pirates have won three straight games in the league and come into the match on the back of the 3-0 thrashing of Arrows, the second time in a week in which they were beating Manqoba Mngqithi’s team.
Galaxy, meanwhile, are on a poor run of form that has seen them lose three and draw two of their last five matches, which gives Pirates confidence of another three points.
Head-to-head
Pirates have already tasted victory against Galaxy this season, having beaten the Rockets 2-0 in October 2024.
That was their fourth victory against Galaxy in their last five meetings, with their opponents having beaten them 1-0 in May 2024, when the 2023-24 season was just about to conclude.
With Pirates having nothing to play for this time, Galaxy will feel this is the time to secure another win, which will help in their quest for a top eight as this will be their final match of the season.
Team news
There are no injury concerns for the two teams who will be able to field their key men with Pirates looking to Relebohile Mofokeng to provide the creativity while Adnan Beganovic will hope that his striker Dzenan Zajmovic can find his scoring boots.
Time and where to watch
The match will kick off at 15:00 at Orlando Stadium and will be live on SuperSport TV.
Orlando Pirates predicted XI
Chaine, Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto—Makhaula, Mbatha—Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng—Mabasa
