Orlando Pirates chase another three points as they return to the Betway Premiership with a clash against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.
This second league encounter in the space of a few days between the two sides takes place at Orlando Stadium, with the Buccaneers back in familiar territory after two weeks on the road. It also marks a departure from home comforts for Abafana Bes’thende, who gear up for their first away fixture this month.
Three straight matches away from home have produced mixed results for the Soweto Giants. The most recent of these was a devastating defeat in the Nedbank Cup final where they lost 2-1 to rivals Kaizer Chiefs, falling short of a third consecutive title.
The defeat at Moses Mabhida had been preceded by back-to-back league wins including one at the same venue against the team they are hosting on Tuesday. The six points earned in those two matches have secured a finish in the top two with another 15 up for grabs in the remainder of the season.
This will require bouncing back in their backyard, where they suffered a rare slip-up in their last home outing. That narrow defeat to Sekhukhune was only the second in 11 home games for Pirates, who have claimed victory in each of their other nine league fixtures in Soweto. They have conceded just seven goals in the process, while finding the net 23 times.
For the visitors, the change of venue will be a welcome one after a lengthy stay at home failed to yield a single point in three attempts. This has placed them in unwanted territory in the standings, where they currently languish in 14th place with just four games left to play.
It has been a disappointing campaign for Arrows who have been a feature in the contest for a spot in the top eight in recent years, finishing ninth for three seasons running. Those heights are still mathematically possible through a remarkable turnaround, starting with three points at Orlando Stadium.
