SuperSport out to ease relegation fears against Pirates

SuperSport United will be determined to ease their relegation concerns by securing a win over Orlando Pirates in Tuesday's Betway Premiership match at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT, live on SuperSport.

CURRENT FORM

Matsatsantsa's relegation concerns increased after they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC away on 17 May, and the loss ended the Tshwane giants' four-match unbeaten run.

SuperSport are placed 14th in the Betway Premiership standings - level on points with Cape Town City, who are in the relegation playoff spot (15th place), but a win over Pirates would ease Matsatsantsa's fears.

Meanwhile, Pirates are undefeated in their last two matches coming into this match, having drawn 1-1 with TS Galaxy at home on 17 May and before that, they had defeated Golden Arrows.

The Buccaneers have already secured the runner-up spot in the Betway Premiership, with three games left, but leaders Mamelodi Sundowns are 17 points clear, having already been crowned champions.

TEAM NEWS

SuperSport United have no suspension concerns, but Grant Margeman remains sidelined by a long-term injury, having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September 2024.

Orlando Pirates, on the other hand, will be without one of their key players, Relebohile Mofokeng, who is suspended, while his teammates Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Lebiso, Thabiso Lebitso and Zakhele Lepasa are on the club's injury list.

WHAT WAS SAID?

SuperSport United interim coach Andre Arendse

“It (Pirates drawing at home against Galaxy) is a positive, but you're still coming up against a real quality side. They are going to give you nothing, or very little, and we're going to have to work for what we want to get out of that particular game," Arendse said.

"So for us, it's a little bit different, because we can't afford to lose the game. That's the bottom line for us. and a win is even more important. So we're going to have to work the team along those lines. We'll have a look at Pirates and we'll see where we need to do things.

"But I go into that game a lot more positive, just only based on that second half.”

Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi

“It’s disappointing that at the end we had to play a draw after conceding a last-minute goal," Ncikazi said.

"I’m thinking that we paid the school fees for continuity, giving youngsters an opportunity, but it’s not their fault. So I thought we were in control of the match, but it is what it is.

“There are so many lessons learned by whoever was given an opportunity to play today [Saturday]. It’s a loss in terms of points, but I don’t think the experience that was given to the youngsters is a loss to them. It’s just a bitter pill to swallow, but it is what it is.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bradley Grobler, SuperSport United: The experienced marksman, who has a knack for scoring against Pirates, has hit form in the last few weeks, having found the back of the net twice in his last four matches.

Bandile Shandu, Orlando Pirates: The in-form full-back has been playing some of his best football in recent weeks, having hit the back of the net in back-to-back matches against Golden Arrows and TS Galaxy.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2019/20 Pirates 2-1 SuperSport Pule, Lepasa; Fleurs

2020/21 Pirates 2-1 SuperSport Lepasa, Mabasa; Mokoena

2020/21 SuperSport 1-1 Pirates Motshwari (og); Pule

2021/22 Pirates 3-2 SuperSport Hoto 2 (2 pen), Mosele; Johannes, Lungu

2021/22 SuperSport 2-0 Pirates Makaringe (og), Lungu (pen)

2022/23 SuperSport 0-0 Pirates

2022/23 Pirates 1-0 SuperSport Xoki (pen)

2023/24 SuperSport 3-1 Pirates Campbell 2, Grobler; Makaringe

2023/24 Pirates 1-1 SuperSport Mabasa; Moralo