Orlando Pirates will look to avoid a loss as they welcome sharpened Golden Arrows on Saturday evening at Orlando Stadium. The Buccaneers have been blowing hot and cold in recent times and will look to avoid a shocking result in front of their home crowds. Under coach Jose Riveiro, Pirates come from a defeat and a draw to Sekhukhune United as well as Moroka Swallows in the DStv Premiership.
Meanwhile, the KZN-based Arrows are experiencing what can be called a rebirth under coach Steve Komphela. Since his return to Arrows, Komphela has guided the side to two wins plus a single draw.
Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows Match Details:
- Date: April 06, 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM SAST
- Venue: Orlando Stadium, Soweto
Orlando Pirates: Orlando Pirates are still in with a chance to qualify for the CAF Champions League but they must consistently collect maximum points. The Soweto giants sit at number four with 34 points from 22 games and have to beat Arrows to keep that hope alive. They trail log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns by 15 points.
Golden Arrows: Abafana Bes’thende are out to qualify for the MTN8 and under Komphela, they are turning the corner. Komphela has done exceptionally well to ensure they move from the relegation zone to the bottom of the table. Arrows now occupy the ninth spot with 30 points from the same number of games.
Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows Key Battles To Watch:
Miguel Timm vs Gladwin Shitolo: Timm is one of the most seasoned players at Pirates but has also struggled to find consistency in his game. The hard-working midfielder will be the man to count on for distributing dangerous passes. Battling to solidify the Arrows camp is none other than Shitolo. The ex-Piraytes star will also look to impress and upset his former bosses.
Patrick Maswanganyi vs Knox Mutizwa: Maswanganyi saved Pirates blushes when he scored a late equaliser against Swallows. The speedy and talented midfielder will look for continuity at home. On the other side of the field, Mutizwa is known for his instinct to kill the giants. Komphela has to restore his confidence to hurt Pirates.
Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows Head to Head:
The two DStv Premiership sides have locked horns on 19 occasions. The odds favour the hosts, Pirates who boast nine victories while the visitors, Arrows have claimed three. Meanwhile, seven clashes have ended in a draw.
Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows Coaches:
Jose Riveiro: The Spaniard has had a good run with Pirates but he is under criticism for not stopping Sundowns’ dominance in the league. He has yet to win the league but has three Knockout Cup gold medals. While he remains hopeful to win it, it seems a second finish is possible for him.
Steve Komphela: Komphela is one of the most experienced coaches in the league and heading to Soweto, he has one mission to emerge as a victor. The former Swallows boss will also look to add on his fine run since his return to Durban.
Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows What The Coaches Said:
“We are going game by game we know which ones are our objectives,” said Riveiro.
“It’s clear that being first in this league is a huge challenge for everyone for multiple reasons. And running for the second position is going to be tough because there are different candidates who are in good form with the ambition to be there. I think it’s going to be an entertaining fight for that position probably it’s going to be decided on the last game. We going to do everything to try and finish in that position, we intend to go and play in Africa (Caf) next season.”
Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows Fan Sentiments:
The Sea Robbers are out to restore faith in their fans who are losing hope when it comes to their league title chase. Pirates disappointingly dropped points last weekend and against Swallows but have a chance to win this time around.
Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows Prediction:
Judging the statistics, Pirates are favourites to win this match but with Arrows having a ‘psychologist’ in Komphela, his players will have belief in winning this tie.
Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows What’s Next:
The 1995 African champions, Pirates will return to the Nedbank Cup on April 13 with AmaZulu while Arrows have a date with Royal AM on the 20th.
Related: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Young Africans Preview: Downs Eyeing Berth In Semis
