Pirates out to end Polokwane's fairytale run

Orlando Pirates will go head to head with an in-form Polokwane City side in Tuesday's Betway Premiership match at the iconic Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT, live on SuperSport.

CURRENT FORM

The Buccaneers had to dig deep to secure a 1-0 victory over Botswana's Jwaneng Galaxy in the Caf Champions League second preliminary round second-leg match played in Soweto on Saturday.

The victory extended Pirates' unbeaten run to 10 matches across all competitions since losing to TS Galaxy in the league in May having registered four draws and six victories in their current unbeaten run.

Meanwhile, Polokwane proved too good for Magesi FC away in the Limpopo Derby encounter as they emerged as 2-0 winners in the Betway Premiership match played on Saturday.

Rise and Shine are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions in regulation time including last month's MTN8 clash against Mamelodi Sundowns having recorded four draws and four wins.

Polokwane are placed second on the Betway Premiership standings with six points from two matches, while Pirates are occupying the fifth spot having collected three points from their first league game of the season.

TEAM NEWS

Pirates have no suspension concerns, but Zakhele Lepasa and Goodman Mosele are both on the Soweto giants' injury list.

Polokwane, on the other hand, also do not have any suspension worries and they are yet to report injuries in their camp.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro

“We have an interesting group there. Group of young and talented players – a bunch of winners," Riveiro said after the 1-0 win over Jwaneng Galaxy.

"They want to continue improving and winning, and again having the continuity to play in this type of tournament – the African Champions League.

“An interesting tournament against quality opponents and tough games, so every pinch of experience will come and our players going to the national team, playing in Afcon," he added.

"It’s something that we can always capitalise on as a club, and as a group. The talent is there; the quality is there. We only need to keep going and accumulate experiences together and the future will be fine.”

Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe

“He [Oswin Appollis] didn’t start well, but through around 20-25 minutes that’s when we started to see the real Appollis threatening and coming back to defend," Mohafe said after the 2-0 win over Magesi FC.

“I can say he was good on the day. For them [Appollis and Thabang Matuludi] still being here is a boost for Polokwane City.

“Their availability is making us stronger than last season and it makes us continue to play well as a team. It gives us hope that we can fight for something in this season," he added.

"Maybe one of the cups just for improvement and growth as a team. Yes, one we can go for it, and we can go all out."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates: The in-form winger has grabbed late winning goals against Chippa United and Jwaneng Galaxy. Saleng could be the player to propel Bucs to a win over Rise and Shine.

Puleng Marema, Polokwane City: The club captain led by example as he opened the scoring in the win over Magesi and he will be confident of leading his charges to a third successive victory in Soweto.

Head-to-Head

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2016/17 Polokwane 1-1 Pirates Tlolane; Ndoro

2016/17 Pirates 1-1 Polokwane Wome; Ramagalela

2017/18 Polokwane 2-2 Pirates Ndou, Ramagalela; Gabuza 2

2017/18 Pirates 1-1 Polokwane Foster; Chungwa

2018/19 Polokwane 1-2 Pirates Nkili; Marcelo, Shonga

2018/19 Pirates 3-0 Polokwane Lorch 2, Pule

2019/20 Pirates 3-2 Polokwane Mhango (pen), Mabasa, Dlamini; Mashumba, Mvelase

2019/20 Polokwane 1-4 Pirates Anas; Mhango 3, Motshwari

2023/24 Pirates 1-1 Polokwane Maswanganyi; Mashikinya