Orlando Pirates will be targeting nothing but a win when they host AmaZulu FC at the Orlando Stadium in a DStv Premiership match on Friday. Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT - Live on SuperSport PSL (channel 202).
The Buccaneers stretched their winless run to three matches across all competitions when they drew 0-0 with 10-man Richards Bay at home in a league match last weekend.
As a result, the Soweto giants find themselves placed fifth on the league standings - three points behind second-placed Richards Bay and four points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Jose Riveiro, the Pirates head coach, admitted that he was upset after his side dropped points against the Natal Rich Boys, but he urged his charges to remain motivated.
"The way they guys started the game in the first minute, we went with pure determination towards goal and we committed ourselves to get three points here at home," Riveiro said.
"And continuing the good performances and good results we have been collecting recently here in Orlando. We’re a bit upset because we were looking for the three points.
"As I said, this is just the beginning. It’s going to be a tough season for everyone. We have no time to lose morale or motivation.”
Meanwhile, AmaZulu extended their winless run to five matches across all competitions when they suffered a 1-0 loss to Richards Bay at home in a league game on 5 October.
Therefore, Usuthu are placed ninth on the DStv Premiership standings - two points behind sixth-placed Stellenbosch FC, but they are only two points above the relegation zone.
The club has since parted ways with coach Brandon Truter and replaced him with Romain Folz who has stated that he will use the same approach in his first three games which are against Pirates, Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs.
“It is always trying to fix what was not going right and the importance of the next three games and the opponents, I look at every game the same way,” Folz said.
“Of course, we are aware of what they can do, how they play and what we can expect from them.
"But we won’t change the way we approach the game. Whether we play Pirates, Maritzburg, or Chiefs, we will approach the game the same.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando Pirates
Goodman Mosele: The lanky midfielder is the heartbeat of Pirates midfield and he tends to drive the team forward. Mosele's performance in the middle of the park could be key to a Bucs win over AmaZulu.
Collins Makgaka: The diminutive attacker injected some needed urgency and creativity into the Bucs attack when he came on against Richards Bay. Makgaka could be handed his first start of the season against Usuthu.
AmaZulu FC
George Maluleka: The veteran midfielder has the ability to control matches and has been an ever-present for Usuthu this term. Maluleka will be eager to control the midfield and put his side in a good position to overcome Bucs.
Lehlohonolo Majoro: With Frank Mhango suspended and Bonginkosi Ntuli out injured, the former Pirates marksman is most likely to lead AmaZulu's attack. Majoro will be keen to haunt Pirates by inspiring Usuthu to a win.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2017-18 Pirates 1-1 AmaZulu Nyauza; Nyauza (og)
2017-18 AmaZulu 1-2 Pirates Khenyeza; Nyatama, Qalinge
2018-19 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates Tade; Mulenga
2018-19 Pirates 4-1 AmaZulu Mahachi, Memela, Shonga, Motshwari; Ncobeni
2019-20 AmaZulu 0-0 Pirates
2019-20 Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu Pule
2020-21 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates Majoro; Mhango (pen)
2020-21 Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu Mhango
2021-22 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates Moremi; Hotto
2021-22 Pirates 2-1 AmaZulu Peprah 2; Memela