Orlando Pirates will seek a quick return to winning ways when they host SuperSport United in a PSL clash on Tuesday, having suffered a shock elimination from the Carling Knockout.
Pirates suffered a 3-2 loss to Magesi FC in the Round of 16, their first defeat after going 11 matches without losing, including seven straight wins before the cup setback.
However, Jose Riveiro’s side have little time to dwell on the cup loss as matches come thick and fast and the second of three games in seven days will take place on Tuesday, when they host a wounded SuperSport United.
Matsatsantsa were beaten 4-0 by Chiefs in the Carling Knockout to exit a second competition at the first time of asking this season and will be looking to kick start their season at Pirates given they only have one win in six matches across all competitions this season.
Head-to-head
Pirates and SuperSport have already faced off this season with Riveiro’s men claiming a 3-1 victory in the MTN8 quarter-final before going on to win the trophy.
The match was won in extra time following a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes but SuperSport have a good record against Pirates which they can pin their hopes on.
They beat Pirates in the first leg before a draw in the return match last season and in 20 meetings against the Sea Robbers at Orlando Stadium, they have won nine, lost five with six ending in stalemates.
Form guide
Pirates are still unbeaten in the league and had gone 11 matches without defeat, having won seven straight, before the defeat to Magesi.
They sit second on the PSL table on nine points, same as Mamelodi Sundowns, but with an inferior goal difference and can go top with a victory on Tuesday.
SuperSport, meanwhile, are 13th on four points after one win and a draw in four league matches and worryingly for coach Gavin Hunt, his side have only scored one goal over that period, while letting in three.
Team news
Pirates are still without midfielder Thalente Mbatha while defender Olisa Ndah is out for the rest of the year. Thabiso Lebitso and Zakhele Lepasa are also still out as they continue their rehabilitation.
SuperSport, meanwhile, are still missing Grant Margeman and Bradley Grobler who continue to recover from injuries picked up earlier in the season.
Former Pirates striker Terrence Dzvukamanja has been leading the line for Matsatsantsa and will be a key man for them against his former team, and so is Vincent Pule, ex-Bucs midfielder, who scored when they last met in August.
What have they said?
Riveiro has told his players to quickly get over the cup loss and focus on the clash against SuperSport.
“We must accept it quickly because we are playing [on Tuesday]. SuperSport is coming (to Orlando Stadium), and we have to get those three points by any means necessary,” he said after Saturday’s loss.
“If we ranked the competitions, the league is the most important one. But then, when we go to these cups, we always go with the intention to offer good performances, but today [Saturday] was not that bad, but in four moments we were not at that level.”
Time, where to watch & ticket info
The match will kick off at 19:30 at the Orlando Stadium and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will also be provided across Orlando Pirates social media channels.
Tickets to attend the game are available online on TicketPro as well as selected outlets nationwide.
Predicted line-ups
Pirates predicted XI: Chaine, Sesane, Sibisi, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Makhaula, Dlamini, Mswanganyi, Saleng, Mofokeng, Mabasa
SuperSport predicted XI: Goss, Okon, Sanoka, Mobbie, Rapoo, Ndlovu, Ayier, Poggenpoel, Pule, Magidigidi, Dzvukamanja
