Afrigather Orlando Pirates will kick off what they may hope will likely be a title-winning Betway Premiership season at dwelling on Wednesday, 18 September towards Chippa United.
Kick-off on the Orlando Stadium is at 19:30.
The Buccaneers will likely be trying to go one-better than their runner-up end final season.
Nevertheless, they might want to hit the bottom operating with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs already having emerged victorious in Week 1 motion.
Kind information
All of it begins with a conflict towards a staff that has skilled totally different ranges of exercise to theirs within the weeks main as much as the beginning of their league marketing campaign.
Chippa United’s final aggressive fixture on the 25 Could 2024 was their 2023/24 season finale, the place they went down at dwelling to Sekhukhune United to complete twelfth within the league standings.
They’ve since had just a few pleasant matches as they give the impression of being to sharpen up for the season forward.
The Buccaneers have in the meantime been absolutely immersed in high-stakes encounters, taking part in a number of knockout fixtures each domestically and on the continent.
They’ve one foot within the CAF Champions League group stage after Saturday’s essential 2-0 win within the away leg of their tie towards Jwaneng Galaxy, whereas their MTN8 title defence continues with simply the ultimate
towards Stellenbosch left to play.
Of their six matches performed for the reason that begin of the season, they’ve gained 4 and drawn two and boast a 100% win report at Orlando Stadium having seen off SuperSport United and Cape City Metropolis regionally in addition to Madagascar outfit, Disciples.
A unique problem awaits them at dwelling as they give the impression of being to bag the three factors on provide towards an equally decided Chippa outfit.
Crew information
League debuts may very well be on the playing cards for brand new recruits Deano van Rooyen and Selaelo Rasebotja, who each ran out in Bucs colors for the primary time over the weekend.
The house facet has additionally been bolstered by the upcoming return of Paseka Mako after he was declared match to renew coaching earlier within the week.
In the meantime the guests may very well be sporting a number of latest faces, following their exercise on the switch window which noticed them convey on the likes of Andile Jali and Gadiel Kamagi together with Azola Matrose, who has rejoined the membership from the Buccaneers.
Key gamers
Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates): The skilled campaigner has hit high type early within the season, and will likely be desperate to proceed in the identical vein because the Buccaneers kick off their league marketing campaign. His effectiveness in open play and on set items has shone by means of in his latest performances for membership and nation, the place he has registered three targets in his final our appearances.
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United): Contemporary off back-to-back clear sheets in nationwide colors, the Nigerian shot stopper is one in every of a handful Chippa gamers who’ve registered some aggressive recreation time this season. The 28-year-old’s affect from between the sticks has been key to the Jap Cape facet, who’ve benefited from the steadiness he affords on defence.
Head-to-head
The 2 sides met on three events final season, with Chippa snatching a league level within the first encounter at Nelson Mandela Stadium. This was earlier than Pirates claimed victory in a Nedbank Cup conflict on the similar venue, which they adopted up with a Premiership win at Orlando Stadium just a few days later.
Forward of their twenty third league encounter, the Buccaneers go in trying to additional set up their standing because the dominant pressure of their rivalry, having gained 15 of the matches performed thus far whereas solely shedding 3 times. Nevertheless, it hasn’t all been one-way visitors over the previous few seasons with the Chilli Boys’ most up-to-date victory solely relationship again to August 2022 once they famously surprised the Soweto Giants in their very own yard.
TV protection and ticket information
The match will likely be broadcast stay on SuperSport PSL.
Tickets to attend the sport can be found on-line on TicketPro in addition to chosen retailers nationwide.
Prediction
Orland Pirates 3-1 Chippa United
The place will Orlando Pirates end the season within the standings?
Tell us by clicking on the remark tab under this text or by emailing information@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
It’s also possible to observe @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Fb for the most recent Betway Premiership information.
