The Betway Premiership heats up with a blockbuster clash this weekend when Orlando Pirates visit Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld. The top-notch encounter between the Gauteng rivals is undoubtedly the headlining act in the weekend’s football action and kicks off on Saturday afternoon.
In the context of the ongoing quest for league supremacy, it is undoubtedly the biggest clash thus far with its outcome holding the potential to determine the shape of the title race. It is a battle between the two teams occupying the highest spots in the standings, both approaching the halfway mark of their respective campaigns.
Pirates are the side heading into the clash with a bit of ground to make in the title race as they are placed right below their table-topping rivals. Six points separate the two sides with the Buccaneers going in with a game in hand, and the gap in points could be halved by the end of the weekend should things go in their favour in Tshwane.
They have worked up some winning momentum on their return to league football, overcoming rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a dramatic Soweto Derby on Saturday before triumphing over Sekhukhune United in tricky circumstances in Polokwane. This proved to be a welcome set of results for Jose Riveiro’s men who have now bagged 12 out of an available 15 points from their last five games.
In doing so, they remain among the top three teams in terms of the highest points tally away from home. Their four victories and one defeat on the road have earned them an impressive 12 points and place them just behind Sundowns and Stellenbosch when it comes to the league’s best travellers this season.
They however have the unenviable task of inflicting a first home defeat to a side yet to drop points in seven home league fixtures in their backyard. It’s a record that has been key to the hosts’ positioning in the log, with their only defeat throughout the season occurring on the road.
They approach the match against the Buccaneers on a roll, having won all of the nine matches played since they last failed to get over the line in the Premiership. While they have been dominant throughout, recent form will be sure to give them an extra boost in confidence following their commanding performances against Lamontville Golden Arrows and SuperSport United – against whom they netted a total of seven unanswered goals across their two outings over the past week.
Defender Thabiso Sesane is a worry for Pirates ahead of their trip across the Jukskei River. The 24-year-old only lasted 18 minutes in the victory over Babina Noko and could sit out the trip to Loftus.
The experienced Tapelo Xoki – brought on in his place in midweek – is among the likely options along with club captain Innocent Maela. Also waiting in the wings is Olisa Ndah who is making his way back to match-fitness, having resumed training.
For Sundowns, central midfielder Bathusi Aubaas adds to Miguel Cardoso’s options in the heart of the action. The 29-year-old has served a two-match suspension after he was given his marching orders during Sundowns’ 5-2 win against Sibanye in the Nedbank Cup. They will however be without veteran attacker Themba Zwane, who has been out of action since pulling up injured while on national duty in October.
photo by Happy Modise during the Betway Primiership