This week, Orlando Pirates travel to Orlando Stadium for a DStv Premiership match against Richards Bay FC, a newcomer to the top division.
The Buccaneers have had a busy October thus far, as they will play their third game in eight days, while their opponents will play their second game of the month following their midweek match.
Form Guide
Upon their return to league play, the two teams’ respective rankings moved in opposing directions due to their different results.
The Soweto Giants began the week in second position but were rocked by Sekhukhune United on Tuesday as they concluded the game with 10 men en way to a 2-0 loss with which they were eliminated from second place.
This has relegated them to fourth place on the standings, tied with two other teams on 14 points after winning four of nine league matches, losing three, and drawing twice.
Pirates will be anxious to return to winning ways, but it could be an uphill battle against the newcomers, who have allowed just three goals in nine games and have the best defensive record.
Their strong defense was key in their most recent match, as they held out AmaZulu for the whole 90 minutes before scoring the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
The team from KwaZulu-Natal is now in second position and has been the biggest surprise of the season thus far, as they are unbeaten in their previous four league matches and have only dropped two points throughout this span.
Team Updates
One player will be unavailable to the Buccaneers due to suspension, while another will return from suspension.
During the loss to Sekhukhune, wingback Thabiso Monyane was sent off early in the second half after receiving two yellow cards. Similarly, defender Olisah Ndah is once again subject to suspension after serving a one-match ban for collecting four yellow cards.
Siphamandla Mtolo, an experienced midfielder who had been sidelined by injury, has returned to training with the first squad and might provide a boost for the Natal Rich Boyz.
Key figures
Vincent Pule (Orlando Pirates): Once again, injury threatened to wreck the Bucs midfielder’s season, but he has returned to the match day squad and made a few vital cameo appearances on the pitch. Pule’s creative prowess and precise left foot give him a continuous threat to score when he is in top form, requiring the defense to pay close attention whenever he is in the zone.
Sanele Barns (Richards Bay) has been a revelation in his first season in the premier division, assisting on three of his team’s seven goals thus far. Barns is utilized primarily on the right side of the attacking third, where he has caused issues for defenders with pinpoint passes into the box and deft runs down the wing.
Head-to-Head
When Pirates and Richards Bay face off for the first time in League football in Soweto, it will be somewhat of a historic occasion.
Despite the KZN team’s participation in each of the last two Nedbank Cup tournaments, the two teams have avoided each other in the competition.
How to Watch the Orlando Pirates vs. the Richards Bay Sharks
The game will be aired live on SuperSport PSL beginning at 20:00. You may also follow the action by monitoring the Orlando Pirates’ social media outlets for live updates.
Tickets for the game are available online via Ticketmaster and Computicket stores around the country, as well as four hours prior to kickoff at the Orlando East Community Hall.
Please note that printed copies of Ticketmaster tickets will not be accepted, nor will screenshots.