Orlando Pirates are out to return to winning ways in the DStv Premiership as they visit Polokwane City. The match set to be staged at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium sees the two sides renewing their rivalry this weekend. Coach Jose Riveiro’s men will also want to bag their eighth win of the season. For Rise and Shine, the hosts are chasing their seventh win in the league.
Polokwane City vs Orlando Pirates Match Details
Date: March 02, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM SAST
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Polokwane City: The PSL returnees out for redemption
Judging their position on the log table, the PSL returnees are looking for a win to erase their Nedbank Cup defeat. City failed to reach the next stage of the cup competition as they lost to Richards Bay.
Interim coach Phuti Mohafe will look to build to their form as they remain unbeaten in three league outings. They beat Chippa United and held Mamelodi Sundowns in December before beating Moroka Swallows after the Afcon recess. They sit ninth on the log standings with 24 points.
Orlando Pirates: Chasing dominance over City
The Buccaneers are in high spirits after their 6-0 rout over Crystal Lake in the Ke Yona competition. They will hope to maintain the winning run in all competitions away from home. Pirates sit at number five with 26 points from 17 games. Fresh from a 1-all draw versus Masandawana, Pirates are winless in three league matches.
Also Read: Confirmed Nedbank Cup Last 16 Fixtures
Key Battles to Watch
Tapelo Xoki vs. Douglas Mapfumo:
With Xoki in the heart of the defence, Pirates are stable and the towering defender also has a knack for scoring crucial goals. However, he might be tempted not to push forward when he will face a lethal Mapfumo who was on target in the Nedbank Cup last weekend.
Evidence Makgopa vs. Bulelani Nikani:
Looking at the hosts’ defence, Nikani has featured in 15 league games for City and will be assigned to neutralise Makgopa. On the part of the Bafana Bafana hitman, Makgopa was a livewire against Sundowns and will look to continue where he left off.
Phuti Mohafe vs Jose Riveiro:
Talking about tactics, there’s no doubt that Riveiro is desperate for CAF Champions League football and will look to unsettle City. As the most astute and experienced between the two, he will still be wary of Mohafe who has been with Rise and Shine for more than five seasons.
Polokwane City vs Orlando Pirates Head-to-Head
Taking a glance at the previous meetings between the two PSL sides, Pirates are dominating the statistics. Out of the previous five meetings, the Soweto giants have four wins while the hosts have one draw and four defeats.
Here’s a look at their recent history:
- Last 5 Matches:
- Pirates Wins: 4
- Draws: 1
- Polokwane City Wins: 0
- Total Goals (Last 5 Matches):
- Pirates: 13
- Polokwane City: 5
- Biggest Pirates Win: 4-1
- Biggest Polokwane City Win: 0
Fan Sentiments
Pirates are the visiting side but their Limpopo fanbase is expected to come out in numbers and cheer the side to a victory. At the same time, the hosts will rally behind the team and ensure the Sea Robbers head back to Gauteng empty-handed.
Polokwane City vs Orlando Pirates Match Prediction
Despite being a wounded lion from their Nedbank Cup loss, City doesn’t pose a danger to Pirates. Pirates are favourites to win this one. However, City can cause an upset should they convert their chances.
Orlando Pirates are out to return to winning ways as they visit Polokwane City on Saturday afternoon.
