Improving Leopards out to dent Pirates' hopes

Black Leopards will battle with Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 3:30 pm CAT.

Lidoda Duvha are oozing with confidence after snapping their seven-match winless run in the league when they overcame Stellenbosch FC 2-1 in their last game in the competition.

Leopards, who are also coming off a win over North West University in the Nedbank Cup, find themselves on the 14th spot on the league standings - three points above 16th-placed Polokwane City.

Alan Clark, the Leopards coach, is looking forward to facing the Buccaneers and he is banking on the home support.

"They (Pirates) are a good team. They are in form. They are the biggest club," Clark said.

"I believe it will be a great occasion and I'm confident that our supporters will pack the stadium.

"We are playing at Thohoyandou and we want to make the venue our fortress."

Meanwhile, Pirates are enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run in the league having edged out Chippa United 2-1 in their last game in the competition.

Bucs, who were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup by Bidvest Wits last weekend, are placed second on the league standings - nine points behind the leaders, Kaizer Chiefs.

Josef Zinnbauer, the Pirates coach, is aware that his side will slip down on the league standings once the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits win their games in hand.

"We know the other teams are not on the same number of games as us. They are a few games behind us, should they win then No 2 is done and settled," Zinnbauer said.

“But for me, it’s important that we play the next game (against Black Leopards) very well and we have the next chance and we get three points and that’s important for us. It’s a moment, it’s a picture, not more."

Black Leopards: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mogakolodi Ngele: The versatile attacker is brimming with confidence after netting against North West University. Ngele has the ability to inspire Leopards to a win over Bucs.

Thobani Mncwango: The lanky marksman has rediscovered his scoring form after netting a brace against North West University. Mncwango will be eager to continue his form.

Orlando Pirates: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Happy Jele: The Pirates captain was on the scoresheet as they lost to Bidvest Wits. Jele will be hoping to play an important role in helping his side win in Limpopo.

Thembinkosi Lorch: The reigning PSL Footballer of the Season is slowing rediscovering his old form. Lorch will be eager to inspire the Buccaneers to a win over Leopards.