Pirates look to extend winning streak

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Apr 03, 2018. 14:39

Orlando Pirates will look to extend their winning streak in the Absa Premiership when they host Bloemfontein Celtic at Orlando Stadium on 4 April 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Pirates claimed a fourth straight win in the league when they defeated Golden Arrows 2-1 away on March 17. The Soweto side has won seven of their last nine league games to establish themselves as Mamelodi Sundowns’ main rivals for the title.

The Buccaneers have claimed 23 points from 12 home matches this season, with their last game as hosts bringing a 3-1 win over derby rivals Kaizer Chiefs in early March.

Celtic claimed a second win from their last three league matches when they defeated Platinum Stars 1-0 at home on March 18. The Bloemfontein side will be playing away in the league for the first time since late February.

Phunya Sele Sele have claimed just 11 points from 12 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a goalless draw at Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs.

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and Pirates have met in 59 league matches since 1985. The Buccaneers have claimed 30 wins compared to 14 for Phunya Sele Sele, while 15 matches have been drawn. The Soweto side has won 19 of their 29 home league matches against the Bloemfontein side, suffering four defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, in Bloemfontein in November 2017, Pirates claimed a 1-0 away win thanks to a goal from former Celtic player Musa Nyatama. The teams’ last five league meetings have produced just six goals.

Pirates’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Arrows on March 17: Mpontshane, Dube, Jele, Munetsi, Maela, Shitolo, Nyatama, Mlambo, Lorch (Makola 72’), Shonga (Gabuza 78’), Memela (Matlaba 90+1’).

Celtic’s line-up from their 1-0 win over Stars on March 18: Tignyemb, Rikhotso, Ndengane, Gordinho, Pfumbidzai, Baloyi, Phalane, Maema (Motshegwa 61’), Dlamini (Letsoalo 80’), Hotto, Mabena.