With the mission to qualify for the Caf Champions League group stages done and dusted, Orlando Pirates switch focus to the Betway Premiership, intending to keep the early season momentum going and collect maximum points.
The Buccaneers, who had a decent run since the start of the season, host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday at 15:00.
Rise and Shine have been one of the early pacesetters in the domestic league, having registered back-to-back victories after two rounds.
Here we bring you everything you need to know about the exciting meeting.
Pirates, Polokwane in battle to maintain positive start to the league
While the Sea Robbers are in the running for a few titles this season, the league title remains the biggest in their hunt.
And to achieve that goal, a good start to the season is going to be very important.
They kicked off the campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chippa United.
Now Jose Riveiro’s men will be up against a side highly motivated by their positive start to the season.
Rise and Shine have stunned AmaZulu FC and Premiership newbies Magesi FC.
They are joint leaders at the top of the table with Golden Arrows as they have collected six points out of a possible six.
But Pirates will provide a different test to what Phuthi Muhafe’s men have faced this season.
How to watch
The match will be carried live by pay-TV giants SuperSport, on their PSL channel 202.
The broadcast will include a build-up with analysis from football experts which starts at 14:00. There will also be a broadcast on different SABC radio stations.
Betting odds
Despite a solid start by City, Pirates remain clear favourites to claim maximum points at Orlando Stadium.
But the men from Limpopo will not be pushovers even though they are away from home. They will be motivated to cause an upset against the so-called big club in the league. You can place a bet here
5/10 Orlando Pirates | Draw 49/20 | Polokwane City 52/10
Orlando Stadium
The venue found in Soweto township was refurbished to a state-of-the-art stadium ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup and was used as one of the training venues for the duration of the world showpiece.
The Buccaneers have turned a 40,000-seater into a slaughterhouse recently, with most of the teams hardly coming out alive.
Pirates have been able to draw supporters to the venue and City will have to cope with the Sea Robbers’ 12th man.
Last meeting
The last time the two sides met in a league clash was on March 2, Riveiro’s men won 1-0 courtesy of a strike by Evidence Makgopa.
Head-to-head
2 March 2024: Polokwane City 0-1 Orlando Pirates
27 October 2023: Orlando Pirates 1-1 Polokwane City
7 January 2020: Polokwane City 1-4 Orlando Pirates
26 November 2019: Orlando Pirates 3-2 Polokwane City
11 May 2019: Orlando Pirates 3-0 Polokwane City
Match Day-1 Preparations
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) September 23, 2024
🎤Assistant Coach| Mandla Ncikazi
“We are focusing on gathering as many points as we can “
🏆#BetwayPrem
🆚 Polokwane City
🗓️ 24 September 2024
🏟️ Orlando Stadium
🕓 15HOO
📺 @supersporttv
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/xa3rUEAXaL
Players to watch
Despite massive interest in Oswin Appollis, City have been able to keep the player, and they will be hoping that his head remains in the right space to continue helping them this season.
Appollis will be one of the players that Pirates will need to watch out for alongside Puleng Marema, who was on the scoresheet against Magesi, and Hlayisi Chauke while Thabang Matuludi will be key in defence.
The Soweto giants will hope Monnapule Saleng’s fine form in front goals continues after the player scored crucial goals against Chippa and Jwaneng Galaxy.
Teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng, Deon Hotto, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Patrick Maswanganyi will also be key in Pirates’ pursuit of success.
