Chippa star Rakhale looks to haunt Pirates

Chippa United will square off with Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.

The Chilli Boys stretched their winless run to three matches in the league when they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to SuperSport United away in their previous game.

They find themselves on the 12th spot on the league standings - three points behind seventh-placed Bloemfontein Celtic.

Norman Mapeza, the Chippa coach, says his side needs to improve ahead of their clash with the Buccaneers, who are undefeated in their last eight league games.

“Pirates are a big club. We just need to rectify the problems we made (against SuperSport) and see how the game progresses,” Mapeza said.

"The boys worked so hard. It’s not easy but we will keep fighting."

Meanwhile, Pirates extended their winning run to four games in the league when they edged out AmaZulu FC 1-0 at home in their previous match.

The victory took the Buccaneers to the fourth spot on the league standings - two points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

Vincent Pule, the Pirates winger, says it is important for the Soweto giants to take it one game at a time as they look to continue with their surge up the log.

"We are taking it one game at a time at this stage. I think our confidence is back as a team," Pule said.

"We will keep on fighting as a team, we will keep up our performances."

CHIPPA UNITED: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Veli Mothwa: The towering goalkeeper has been one of Chippa's best players under coach Mapeza. Mothwa will be looking to keep a clean sheet against the Buccaneers.

Thabo Rakhle: The former Pirates winger is expected to face the Soweto giants this weekend. Rakhale will be keen to haunt Bucs by playing a key role in helping Chippa win.

ORLANDO PIRATES: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vincent Pule: The influential winger is brimming with confidence after scoring the winning goal in the victory over AmaZulu. Pule will be hoping to continue his good form in Port Elizabeth.

Thembinkosi Lorch: The attacker is slowly rediscovering his form having provided an assist in the win against Usuthu. Lorch has the ability to single-handedly inspire Bucs to a win over Chippa.