Pirates seek redemption

Orlando Pirates go in search of redemption when they return to the DStv Premiership action for the first time in almost a month, hosting Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday 18 April in a hastily-arranged fixture.

Kick-off is at 6.30pm CAT.

Pirates’ last league outing was way back on March 21 and saw them suffer a 1-0 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs, while a further setback arrived on Thursday 15 April when they were hammered 4-1 in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup by Mamelodi Sundowns.

? "We have to be brave and attack."
?? Assistant Coach | @FDavids10

?? #DStvPrem
?? @orlandopirates vs @MaritzburgUtd
?? Sunday, 18 April 2021
?? Orlando Stadium
?? 18h30
?? SuperSport PSL

?????#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/suHDBbA0NL— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) April 17, 2021

Topping their group in the CAF Confederation Cup aside, this has been a tough period for the Buccaneers, whose inaction in the league has seen them drop to fifth place on the standings – 11 points off the pace of leaders Sundowns despite having played a game more.

"It was not good enough for us, but tomorrow is a new day,” said Bucs coach Josef Zinnbauer, who was left angered and embarrassed by the loss to ‘Downs. "We have to focus on the next games. We have to focus to [on the other] tournament, CAF, and then we go forward. It's so. We have to accept it.”

Maritzburg, meanwhile, put in their best performance of the season thus far when they thrashed Chippa United 5-1 on April 3. Thabiso Kutumela netted a brace (he has scored seven times in their last seven league matches) as the KwaZulu-Natal side extended their unbeaten run to five matches.

The Team of Choice has climbed to 13th on the log, three points clear of the relegation playoff spot – currently occupied by Chippa – but they need to keep up their form if they are to truly escape the lower-table scrap.

“We still have space for improvement because we are still making mistakes, we know some players are not where we want them to be,” said coach Ernst Middendorp. “

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Pirates have met in 29 league matches since 2005/06. The Buccaneers have claimed 15 wins compared to six for the Team of Choice, while eight matches have been drawn. The Soweto side has won seven of their 14 home league matches against their Pietermaritzburg counterparts, suffering two defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Harry Gwala Stadium in January 2021, Pirates won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Deon Hotto. The last five league matches between the teams have produced just three goals, while the Buccaneers are unbeaten in their last eight league meetings with United.

In addition, the teams met in February in the Nedbank Cup, with Pirates coming from a goal down to win 3-1 in Pietermaritzburg thanks to goals from Kabelo Dlamini, Deon Hotto and Vincent Pule.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: ORLANDO PIRATES

Fortune Makaringe – The former Maritzburg player has become an increasingly influential figure in Pirates’ midfield in recent months, and he will be looking to lead the Buccaneers to a home victory on Sunday night.

Tshegofatsao Mabasa – A couple of goals in Pirates’ last two games suggests Mabasa should be trusted to retain his place in the starting XI, with the Soweto side needing firepower for what will be a tough clash against United.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: MARITZBURG UNITED

Thabiso Kutumela – Seven goals from Maritzburg’s last seven league outings marks Kutumela out as the form striker of the DStv Premiership, and he’d love to continue in that vein against a former club on Sunday evening.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane – The promising young attacker has taken his game to a new level in recent times and will be a major threat to Pirates on Sunday – whether it’s as a starter or as an impact substitute.