In a clash that will be of keen interest to PSL fans this week, Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC will do battle in their first 2022/23 DStv Premiership clash of the season.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2) at the Orlando Stadium.
In the 2021/22 league season, Pirates finished in an underwhelming sixth position and will be hoping to do better under new mentorship. Jose Riveiro was roped in as the new Buccaneers coach in June and was met with uncertainty among supporters on social media, given his unknown status.
However, winger Vincent Pule praised the Spanish coach recently, where he mentioned that the 46-year-old wants to incorporate a proactive, attacking model of football to the club.
Speaking ahead of the new season, Riveiro mentioned that he is happy with his current squad, given its depth but won’t rule out the possibility of making new acquisitions.
“I am very concentrated on the players that we already have,” Riveiro said at the DStv Premiership launch.
“Obviously we have a big squad but it’s probably something we need in the season. It doesn’t mean that nobody else will come."
As for Swallows, the Dube Birds pulled off the great escape in last season’s Relegation/Promotion playoff mini tournament.
In facing spirited University of Pretoria and Cape Town All Stars outfits, coach Dylan Kerr managed to secure 22/23 top flight status.
Reflecting on the past season, and also looking ahead, Kerr felt ‘disrespected’ after a number of coaches applied for his post after the club's 21/22 campaign.
"It's all new to me. It's like I am in a dream and I am looking forward to it,” Kerr told Soccer Laduma at the DStv Premiership launch.
"I knew after the playoffs that I was coming back to Swallows, but you know how the press talks. It's ridiculous how many people applied for the job from all over the world.
"It's disrespectful to people like myself that I knew, but the media didn't know about. But the chairman and I knew that I was coming back and we knew what we had to do.
"We need to change the perception of what happened last year for the better."
The fixture against Swallows is deemed to be one of the picks of the weekend, given their long standing history in the South African game.
In the head-to-head battle, there has been little to separate the two sides over their last five outings. With a win a piece, the rest of the games were played out to stalemates.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Orlando Pirates:
Bienvenu Eva Nga:The Buccaneers added the Cameroon forward to their attacking roster and will be keen on impressing the new mentor. Eva Nga managed to net 10 goals in 29 games last season and could well add a different dimension to the team up front.
Olisa Ndah:The defender was among the top performers in the league last season and swiftly adjusted to the pace of the PSL. Once again, the Nigerian will no doubt be one of the first names on the team sheet in the coming game weeks.
Swallows FC:
Keegan Allan:Much like that of Ndah, Allen’s stock in local football has risen in recent months. Now with the Dube Birds, Allan will look to emulate the solid displays he showcased for Tuks.
Mwape Musonda:The Zambian is an experienced campaigner and could be an important attacking option for Swallows against Pirates. Musonda was the club’s second top scorer last season (4) and will have his hand up if needed by Kerr.