Considered to be the ‘original Soweto Derby’, Orlando Pirates will host Moroka Swallows at the Orlando Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday night.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Although unbeaten in their last three DStv Premiership encounters, the Buccaneers have been struggling to find the back of the net in recent times.
Pirates go into the match on the back of a frustrating 0-0 stalemate with Richards Bay, a game in which the Soweto giants dominated but were unable to make the most of their goal-scoring opportunities going forward.
Nonetheless, their back-to-back victories prior to their Richards Bay encounter saw Jose Riveiro and company move up to ninth place on the log after 11 matches played.
With the Swallows tie in mind, Riveiro mentioned that he is not worried about his side’s lack of potency in attack, rather he hopes going forward the Buccaneers start games on a positive note.
“We have to start games better, Riveiro said.
“I’m not worried about lack of goals, I’m just concerned about how we start games sometimes, which is not the right way.”
☠️ "Tomorrow's match is more than just tactics, it's a mental game."
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) December 4, 2023
🎙 Assistant Coach | Mandla Ncikazi
🏆 #DStvPrem
⚽️ @orlandopirates vs @Moroka_Swallows
📆 Tuesday, 05 December 2023
🏟 Orlando Stadium
🕢 19h30
📺 SuperSport PSL
🎫 @TicketProSA 👉🏿 https://t.co/QMPq0DON5S… pic.twitter.com/8PpUoB0MGr
Despite a promising start to the 2023/24 campaign, the Dube Birds hit a snag in their last couple of matches.
Following a 0-0 draw with Polokwane City on 11 November, Swallows then suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Kaizer Chiefs in their most recent encounter in the DStv Premiership.
As it stands, the Dube Birds currently occupy sxith spot in the league after matchday 11.
Also, Swallows are unbeaten on the road this season, recording two wins and two draws in four away matches played so far.
In analysing their season, Komphela explained that his side are on track with their targets of the campaign and that he is happy with the brand of football they’re producing.
“The data has just given us a confirmation of the work and the investment we've had with the team, which then becomes our point of reference,” Komphela said.
“The team takes comfort in playing attractive attacking football, you can also tick that box.
“Can you play a game that people want to buy a ticket and watch Moroka Swallows? With the utmost humility I think you can tick that box.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Orlando Pirates:
Vincent Pule: With Pirates struggling in attack, Pule’s skill and experience will be needed during what is a sticky period for the popular Soweto side. The pacey winger will also be looking to cement his place in Riveiro’s side, given his recent run in the starting XI.
Moroka Swallows:
Gabadinho Mhango: As a player known to enjoy the big occasion, the Malawian will no doubt be Swallows’ go-to man for inspiration against a star-studded Bucs outfit. Also, Mhango’s elusive qualities in the final third can be a problem to the Bucs backline.