Chippa United will be determined to register their first Betway Premiership win of the season when they host Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Chilli Boys' poor start to the season continued on Tuesday as they suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Richards Bay. It was their third defeat in a row in the local top flight.
As a result, Chippa are rooted at the bottom of the Betway Premiership standings with one point from four matches, but a victory over Pirates would see the Eastern Cape side climb out of the relegation zone.
Pirates, on the other hand, have hit form, having registered their third successive win across all competitions, including penalties, when they overcame Orbit College 1-0 on Tuesday.
Therefore, the Buccaneers are placed ninth in the Betway Premiership standings with six points from four matches - two points behind third-placed Mamelodi Sundowns as the Soweto giants look to climb the table.
TEAM NEWS
Stanley Nwabali is an injury doubt with the Chippa United captain having been substituted in the first half during the match against Richards Bay.
Meanwhile, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Deano van Rooyen are on Pirates' injury list, and their teammate Relebohile Mofokeng is also an injury doubt after missing the game against Orbit College.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Chippa United's interim coach Morgan Mammila
“There is a big one coming up, we are in the me league 11 v 11 of course, they have experience there and there," Mammila said.
"But we have capable players who can beat any team. I'm not worried about the opponent; I'm worried about my team only. They must just apply themselves according to how we train. We just need to roll quicker because this league is tough.”
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou
“The approach, when you are coach of such a big club, is to attack, and you have to win every game – home and away,” Ouaddou said.
“There’s no moment when you can think about a draw. In your game plan, you always have to base your approach on an offensive model. You have to try to unbalance the opponent. So, when you compare your approach with the final product, it’s not always what you really planned for.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Khaya Mfecane, Chippa United: The attacking midfielder has netted twice in two matches for the Chilli Boys, and he could be the player to propel the team to a victory over the Buccaneers.
Patrick Maswanganyi, Orlando Pirates: The creative midfielder was named Man of the Match following Bucs' win over Orbit College, and he will be keen to inspire his side to another victory.
LAST 10 RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2020-21 Pirates 1-0 Chippa Makaringe
2020-21 Chippa 0-3 Pirates Hotto, Hanamub (og), Motshwari
2021-22 Chippa 1-3 Pirates Mahlambi; Mabasa, Mabaso, Mosele
2021-22 Pirates 0-0 Chippa
2022-23 Pirates 0-1 Chippa Banda
2022-23 Chippa 0-2 Pirates Dlamini, Lorch
2023-24 Chippa 1-1 Pirates Mosele; Shandu
2023-24 Pirates 2-0 Chippa Mabasa 2 (1 pen)
2024-25 Pirates 2-1 Chippa Mabasa (pen), Saleng; Jali
2024-25 Chippa 0-1 Pirates Sibisi
LEAGUE RECORD (since 2012/13)
Home
P W D L GF GA
Chippa 12 2 2 8 8 18
Pirates 12 9 1 2 20 8
Away
P W D L GF GA
Chippa 12 2 1 9 8 20
Pirates 12 8 2 2 18 8
Total
P W D L GF GA
Chippa 24 4 3 17 16 38
Pirates 24 17 3 4 38 16