Pirates chase hat-trick of DStv Premiership wins

Orlando Pirates will chase a hat-trick of 2020-21 DStv Premiership wins when they host Baroka FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3:30pm CAT, live on SuperSport and live streaming through DStv and Showmax.

Pirates claimed a second straight win in the league when they came from a goal down to defeat SuperSport United 2-1 last weekend, with strikes from Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa leading the Soweto giants to victory.

The Buccaneers have claimed four points from two home matches thus far in the league season and head into matchday five in third spot on the league standings, having yet to lose a match.

Josef Zinnbauer was understandably delighted that Pirates were able to get one over a team that has caused them a lot of problems in recent seasons and is confident they will build on what was another positive outing.

"Yes, it's a good result but it was not easy," said Zinnbauer. "We know SuperSport is a very tough and good team, in the past we've always had problems against SuperSport but it was not.

"In the first-half I think we dominated the game, we need to work a little bit on [being] more calm on the ball in the final third. The game was up and down for both teams but I think we had the better opportunities and in the end we got the result, it was a good result for us.

"We have a strong squad at the moment. We need a little time, we feel it, we saw it in the game, the new players, we could not work with each other in the last two weeks, the international players were not here and you have two days to improve the players, it's not easy but we're not alone in this country," the Pirates head coach concluded.

Baroka suffered their first loss of the season when they were beaten 1-0 away to Limpopo rivals Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila last Sunday. Bakgaga have claimed three points from two away matches, having also beaten Black Leopards 3-1 on their travels this season.

Thoka Matsimela was disappointed that his team were on the wrong end of a stoppage-time goal for the second time in succession and has called on his troops to be better in the final minutes of games going forward. Despite the result, Baroka remain in fourth and in touching distance of top spot ahead of their trip to Orlando.

"Shocking, the same thing happened in the Golden Arrows game, in the dying minutes of the game. Critical time, we need to concentrate. We need to make sure we close out games [better]. Very disappointing," said Matsimela.

"Lack of concentration in the dying minutes of the game. We have to look at ourselves, are we doing the right thing and make sure in coming games that the same thing doesn't happen again. Overall performance I am not happy but we will bounce back."

Last season the teams shared the spoils in both of their league meetings: 2-2 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in December 2019 and 1-1 at Ellis Park Stadium in August 2020.

Players to watch:

Orlando Pirates

Ben Motshwari: In a team boasting a lot of midfield depth and playing for a coach that rotates his squad, Motshwari's importance is underlined by the mere fact that he has started every game across all competitions for the Buccaneers this season. He will have another important role to play versus a Baroka team that have had the better of Pirates in the past.

Zakhele Lepasa: All signs suggest that this will be a breakout season for the talented forward. Lepasa has spearheaded the Pirates' attack in Gabadinho Mhango's absence due to injury and has done a terrific job. He will be eager to build on a strong performance versus SuperSport United last week by rattling the back of the next once again.

Baroka FC

Nhlanhla Mgaga: The midfielder has been entrusted the responsibility of making things tick in the middle of the park for Baroka and has played in every minute of the season thus far. Mgaga has proved a real attacking weapon and will need to have a good game going either way (forward in attack and back on defence) if Baroka are to control a talented Pirates midfield.

Mfanafuthi Shozi: Bakgaga seemed to have found defensive stability this season and that will be key to their attempts of avoiding another relegation scrap. Shozi has partnered Vusi Sibiya in every game this season and they will have the tough task of keeping the Pirates' attackers at arms length.