Compelling case for Orlando Pirates to increase Premiership log lead over absent Mamelodi Sundowns

Saturday’s Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena (kick-off 3.30pm) presents Orlando Pirates with a compelling opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.

A victory over visiting Marumo Gallants will see Pirates get a chance to widen their gap from a three-point advantage to a six-point lead over Mamelodi Sundowns, who have dominated South African football, winning the last eight league titles.

Some 80km away, down the N1, Sundowns will be tied up with CAF Champions League duties and can play no part in the day’s Premiership developments.

duties and can play no part in the day’s Premiership developments.

Sundowns have a do-or-die fixture at Loftus Versfeld against visiting Algeria’s MC Alger (kick-off 3pm), who are coached by Rulani Mokwena, once a favourite son of Pirates.

Some Pirates supporters have expressed via social media that they expect their team to triumph against lowly Gallants and would rather be at Loftus to offer support to Mokwena, whom many described as the ‘Son of the Soil’, against arch-rivals Sundowns.

Recent form is decidedly in favour of Pirates, who have secured four victories in their last five league outings.

Their only slip was a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United. Still, confidence is surging after an impressive 4-1 triumph over Limpopo’s ABC Motsepe League side, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, in the Nedbank Cup last week.

This victory marked a 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Conversely, Gallants enter this clash on the back of a dismal run, having lost their last three league matches and failing to win in ten competitions, with seven of those losses occurring in the league. Currently languishing in 13th place with just 15 points, Gallants are perilously close to the relegation playoff zone, making Saturday’s fixture critical for their survival in the Premiership.

From a tactical perspective, Pirates will welcome back defender Lebone Seema, who has returned from suspension, strengthening their backline. However, they will be without the injured duo of Selaelo Rasebotja and Sihle Nduli.

For the Buccaneers, all eyes will be on playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi, who has been in exemplary form, scoring and assisting in recent matches, and whom the team hopes will orchestrate their attacking play.

Gallants, while without suspension concerns, may miss injured captain Edgar Manak, who has been absent from the last four games, adding further challenges to a side already struggling for form.

Nevertheless, expect Jaisen Clifford to rise to the occasion—having previously found the net against both Pirates and Chiefs this season, he could be the spark that ignites Gallants out of their slump.

The stakes are high at the Orlando Amstel Arena this weekend, with Pirates looking to build on their successful run and Gallants desperate to claw their way back from the depths of the league. It promises to be a tense battle in Soweto.