While Orlando Pirates were left deflated in the recent MTN8 final, the Buccaneers will return to the Betway Premiership this week as they prepare to take on TS Galaxy at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night. Kick-off at 7:30pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
In search of their fifth MTN8 triumph in succession, Pirates were forced to watch eventual winners Mamelodi Sundowns lift the trophy following a 2-0 defeat at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this past Saturday.
However, in the Betway Premiership, Pirates experienced better fortunes as they currently occupy second position, just one point behind log leaders Sundowns with a game in hand.
Pirates won each of their last five league ties, with the latest being a 2-0 away win over Marumo Gallants on 20 September, taking their tally to 19 points after seven matches played.
The Rockets, on the other hand, will enter the match sitting in 12th place after notching just six points from the last seven encounters.
Galaxy suffered back-to-back defeats against Kruger United and Chippa United prior to the international break, recording two draws, two losses and one win in their last five league outings.
The Rockets last tasted victory on 25 August after a 3-2 away win over Marumo Gallants, which was their first and only maximum points tally this season so far.
WHAT WAS SAID
Reflecting on Pirates' performance in the MTN8 final, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes his side did all they could to win the game from a tactical point of view but ultimately lamented their inability to control space.
“We wanted to win that trophy and get history again, but it’s football; they gave everything,” Ouaddou said.
“We tried to be disciplined to respect the plan, but of course at the end we let sort of space because we wanted to score so maybe Sundowns could’ve scored a lot of goals as well.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando Pirates: Oswin Appollis – After featuring for just 45 minutes during the MTN8 final, Appollis will no doubt look to remind Ouaddou of his quality as the Soweto giants return to league football. As a key component of Pirates’ midfield department, Appollis is an effective player in the final third, an aspect that Galaxy will have to keep a keen eye on.
TS Galaxy: Ira Tape – Given Galaxy’s recent run of results, Tape will be crucial in marshalling his defence after conceding in each of their last two matches. In facing a Bucs team craving a good result, Galaxy will likewise be desperate in their attempts to mend their leaky backline, beginning with the goalkeeping position.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
Games: 12
Orlando Pirates wins: 7
TS Galaxy wins: 3
Draws: 2