Orlando Pirates are set to begin life without their former coach, Jose Riveiro, when they welcome TS Galaxy for a Betway Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.
Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has been tasked with leading the club in its remaining league games this season as management searches for a new coach.
With the second place already secured for the Soweto giants and the league title gone to Mamelodi Sundowns, there’s nothing left to fight for but pride for the Sea Robbers.
However, coach Ncikazi might want to use these remaining matches to audition for the top job at the club.
He has been with the club since 2021 and was once allowed to lead, but it was in a co-coaching arrangement with coach Fadlu Davids.
On the other hand, TS Galaxy will be desperate for victory against the Soweto giants to confirm their place in the top eight.
This will be Galaxy’s last game of this irregular campaign, and a win will see them achieve the top eight goal.
The fifth-placed Rockets are on 34 points after 27 matches. Quite a few teams outside the top eight can still finish above them on the log table.
Ninth-placed Kaizer Chiefs (30 points) and 10th-placed Marumo Gallants (also on 30 points) still have two games to play, and they can still reach 36 points.
Richards Bay are on 29 points and still have six points to fight for before the end of the season.
Magesi (29 points) have only played 25 matches, and if they win all their remaining matches, they will reach 38 points. Even relegation-threatened SuperSport United and Golden Arrows can still finish higher than Galaxy.
So, coach Adnan Beganovic and his men have everything to fight for in this clash against the Soweto giants.
How to watch
The match will be broadcast on SuperSport Channel 202 from 14:55, with streaming also available on Showmax.
Live commentary will be available on various SABC radio stations.
Head-to-head
29.10.24 – PL – TS Galaxy 0-2 Orlando Pirates
18.05.24 – PL – TS Galaxy 1-0 Orlando Pirates
09.12.23 – PL – Orlando Pirates 1-0 TS Galaxy
30.04.23 – PL – TS Galaxy 1-2 Orlando Pirates
10.09.22 – PL – Orlando Pirates 2-0 TS Galaxy
Betting odds
Pirates will head to this one as favourites to win this match. The Buccaneers have been one of the most dangerous teams in the league this season, but following the departure of coach Jose Riveiro, Galaxy might feel they stand a chance to get something from the clash as the Sea Robbers might be unsettled. To place a bet, head over to Hollywoodbets.net.
11/20 Pirates | Draw 26/10 | Galaxy 6/1
Players to watch
Pirates’ exciting youngster Relebohile Mofokeng was in sublime form in the last outing against Golden Arrows, where the Sea Robbers won 3-0. Ncikazi will be hoping the 20-year-old continues to dazzle and deliver another victory for the club.
Kabelo Dlamini is another player who appears to be in excellent form for the Soweto giants. He scored a great free kick against Arrows, and his defence-splitting passes will be key against the Rockets.
Coach Beganovic will hope that Dzenan Zajmovic brings his scoring boot to Orlando Stadium. The forward has been quite productive in his first season in the PSL, scoring 12 times and providing three assists across 29 matches in all competitions.
Galaxy will also rely on the influential Puso Dithejane to deliver them the crucial three points. The 20-year-old is one of the most dangerous youngsters in the league.
⚫⚪ NEXT MATCH ☠
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 15, 2025
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🗓 17 May 2025
⏰ 15:00
🏟 Orlando Stadium
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