Orlando Pirates returned to DStv Premiership action on Monday afternoon when they traveled to the Mbombela Stadium to face TS Galaxy.
However, it was a forgettable trip for the Soweto giants who lost 1-0.
TS Galaxy striker Lifa Hlongwane scored the only goal of the match in the 33rd minute.
The Buccaneers’ hopes of improving their chances of CAF football next season took a blow as they stayed fourth in the standings, but with just three matches remaining.
Meanwhile, as many will remember, the previous match between the two teams at the Orlando Stadium was marred by an off-field brawl between officials from both teams including TS Galaxy president Tim Sukazi!
Orlando Pirates were subsequently found guilty by the PSL during that incident and are currently waiting to receive their punishment. However, the focus now turns away from the courtroom and back onto the football field.
Three vital points will be up for grabs in Nelspruit for both sides. The Buccaneers currently sit in fourth place on the DStv Premiership log standings, five points behind second placed Royal AM.
TS Galaxy on the other hand will be desperate for a full three points against Orlando Pirates. They currently sit in the relegation zone on just 23 points from 26 matches.
TS Galaxy vs Orlando Pirates: LIVE UPDATES
We need the three points! – Davids
“The approach is clear, we are going for three points away from home in Mbombela.” co-coach Fadlu Davids told the official Orlando Pirates media department.
“We know it is going to be a tough match, tactically in their 4-3-3 system, 4-5-1 in defence. [They are] quite defensively organised.
“They play with five plus five and four plus one and then five upfront. Orlando Pirates have to manage to break them down.
“This is the business end of the season all points count, so we are going for the maximum points.
“They are fighting relegation so they are going for the maximum points as well. Points will be gold for them. But I’m sure we have to play our game to be able to get the three points.”
TS Galaxy vs Orlando Pirates: Kick-off time
Action at the Mbombela Stadium gets underway at 15:00. The match will be televised live on SuperSport PSL.