Leopards ready for Pirates test

by Staff Reporter

Monday Aug 27, 2018. 10:46

Black Leopards will test their mettle in an Absa Premiership clash against heavyweights Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 28 August 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Leopards remained unbeaten in the league when they drew 2-2 at Chippa United on August 18. The Limpopo side will feel they should have won the game, having led 2-1 until deep into injury time.

Lidoda Duvha’s only previous home game so far this season brought them a 1-0 win over regional rivals Polokwane City on the opening weekend of the month.

Pirates suffered a second successive defeat when they were beaten 1-0 at Bloemfontein Celtic on August 19. This followed a loss by the same score at the hands of Bidvest Wits four days prior.

The Buccaneers have picked up three points from two away matches this season, having also won 1-0 at Chippa United on August 8.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Pirates have met in 18 league matches since 2001/02. The Buccaneers have claimed 14 wins compared to just one for Lidoda Duvha, while three matches have been drawn. The Limpopo side’s home record in the rivalry reads P9 W1 D1 L7.

The teams last crossed swords in the 2012/13 season, with Pirates claiming an emphatic league ‘double’ thanks to a 4-0 win in Limpopo and 4-1 triumph in the return game in Soweto. Bucs have put together a four-game winning streak against Leopards.

Leopards’ line-up from their 2-2 draw with Chippa on August 18: Afimi, Ndou, Mashoene, Munganga, Munyai, Nange, Mudau (Ndlovu 83'), Nene, Musonda, Tshepe (Mokoena 75'), Khutlang (Hlongwane 86’).

Pirates’ line-up from their 1-0 loss to Celtic on August 19: Mpontshane, Jele, Munetsi, Maphanga (Shonga 58’), Maela, Matlaba, Mlambo (Maphangule 68’), Motshwari, Makola (Mahlonoko 79’), Pule, Gabuza.