Galaxy out to end high-flying Pirates' perfect record

TS Galaxy will be determined to end Orlando Pirates' perfect record in the Betway Premiership when the two teams meet at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Rockets are undefeated in their last two matches across all competitions having defeated Chippa United 1-0 in the Carling Knockout on 20 October before drawing 1-1 with Marumo Gallants on 26 October.

The draw against Gallants earned Galaxy their first point of the season which sees the Mpumalanga side placed 15th in the Betway Premiership standings and a win over Pirates would see the Rockets climb out of the relegation zone.

Pirates, on the other hand, made it two wins in a row when they secured a 2-1 victory over AmaZulu FC in a league clash on 25 October and they are undefeated in their last two matches across all competitions.

The Buccaneers are the only team that boasts of a 100 per cent win record in the Betway Premiership this season which sees them placed at the top of the standings and a win over Galaxy would see the Soweto giants open a six-point lead atop the table.

TEAM NEWS

Galaxy will be without the services of strikers Dzenan Zajmovic and Victor Letsoalo who are both suspended, but the club are yet to report injuries in their camp.

Pirates have no suspension issues, but Thabiso Lebitso,Olisa Ndah, Zakhele Lepasa, Sandile Mthethwa and Goodman Mosele are still on the club's injury list.

WHAT WAS SAID?

TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic

“We started the season slow. It’s not the start that we wanted to have, but as a coach, I will continue to teach my players, train them, and educate them,” Ramovic said.

"I am sure many of you cannot believe that we lost our [first] three [league] matches, but it is now time for us to show that we have a winning mentality."

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro

“The priority is now. It is this game, and the next one. We wanted to make sure that we can perform on the day and get the results that we are looking for,” Riveiro said.

“We are not in a club or space where we can think about next season. We also can’t speculate about experiments. The players are on the field because they are ready to perform."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Puso Dithejane, TS Galaxy: The Kaizer Chiefs academy product has excelled in his new row as a midfielder which saw him grab an assist in the Rockets' clash against Gallants and he will be keen to help his side stun an in-form Pirates side.

Mohau Nkota, Orlando Pirates: The teenage sensation was the Bucs hero against AmaZulu as he grabbed a brace which inspired his side to a much-deserved victory and he will be looking to replicate the same performance against Galaxy.

Head-to-Head

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2020/21 Pirates 1-1 Galaxy Sam; Phohlongo

2020/21 Galaxy 1-0 Pirates Phohlongo

2021/22 Pirates 2-0 Galaxy Shandu, Makgaka

2021/22 Galaxy 1-0 Pirates Hlongwane

2022/23 Pirates 2-0 Galaxy Msimango (og), Lepasa

2022/23 Galaxy 1-2 Pirates Msimango; Dzvukamanja, Hotto

2023/24 Pirates 1-0 Galaxy Hotto

2023/24 Galaxy 1-0 Pirates Mahlangu

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2020/21)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Galaxy 4 3 0 1 4 2

Pirates 4 3 1 0 6 1

Away

P W D L GF GA

Galaxy 4 0 1 3 1 6

Pirates 4 1 0 3 2 4

Total

P W D L GF GA

Galaxy 8 3 1 4 5 8

Pirates 8 4 1 3 8 5