Pirates out to silence Komphea's resurgent Arrows

Orlando Pirates will be looking to return to winning ways in the DStv Premiership when they host Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

The Buccaneers' top-two ambitions have been derailed as the Soweto giants are winless in two matches in the league having fought back to hold Moroka Swallows to a 1-1 draw away on Wednesday.

As a result, Pirates are placed fourth in the DStv Premiership standings - four points behind second-placed Stellenbosch FC and level on points third-placed Sekhukhune United.

Meanwhile, Arrows' bid to finish in the top eight is on track as the team is unbeaten in their last three matches having fought back to hold SuperSport United to a 2-2 stalemate at home on Wednesday.

Abafana Bes'thende are placed ninth in the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind sixth-placed Cape Town City as the race to finish in the top eight intensifies.

☠️ 🔎 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 🔍

🏆 #DStvPrem
⚽️ @orlandopirates vs @goldenarrowsfc1
📆 Saturday, 06 April 2024
🏟 Orlando Stadium
🕠 17h30
🎫 @TicketProSA 👉🏿 https://t.co/kRPCu3v2H7

🖥 Read the Match Preview 👉🏿 https://t.co/tJYzaohVPI

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/yjVXsJbsET
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) April 5, 2024

TEAM NEWS

Pirates will be without Nkosinathi Sibisi who is suspended after being sent off during the game against Swallows while Paseko Mako and Bandile Shandu are still out injured.

Arrows, on the other hand, have no suspension concerns coming into this match, but the team could be without Nduduzo Mhlongo who was withdrawn early against SuperSport.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro:

“We are going to do anything to finish in position two, it’s our intention we want to go to Africa next season, but Golden] Arrows’ will be a tough game," Riveiro said.

Golden Arrows coach Steve Komphela:

"We are trying to stamp our DNA, our template on the games we play.

"We said listen, go to SuperSport and play the way Golden Arrows play at any given time. Put your game to the test against anyone, but play your game. Lose your way, win your way because the worst is to have a an accidental win or a win you cannot define."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Patrick Maswanganyi, Pirates: The left-footed playmaker netted against Swallows in midweek and against Arrows in the first-round league clash as Bucs won 2-1 last December. Pirates will once again look to Maswanganyi to inspire the team to a win over Arrows.

Lungelo Nguse, Arrows: The bulky striker grabbed a morale-boosting goal against SuperSport and it was his fourth league goal of the current campaign. Nguse will be confident of finding the back of the net again and helping his side secure a victory in Soweto.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2018/19 Arrows 0-1 Pirates Shonga

2019/20 Pirates 0-0 Arrows

2019/20 Arrows 0-0 Pirates

2020/21 Pirates 0-0 Arrows

2020/21 Arrows 2-0 Pirates Mmodi 2

2021/22 Arrows 0-0 Pirates

2021/22 Pirates 0-0 Arrows

2022/23 Arrows 0-2 Pirates Saleng 2

2022/23 Pirates 3-1 Arrows Saleng, Dzvukamanja, Pule; Ndwandwe