Pirates chase hat-trick of wins

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Sep 17, 2018. 15:00

Orlando Pirates will chase a hat-trick of wins in the Absa Premiership when they host Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium on 19 September 2018, kick-off at 19h30.

Pirates racked up a second straight league win when they defeated SuperSport United 3-1 at home on September 15, thanks to goals from Vincent Pule, Thembinkosi Lorch and Ben Motshwari.

The Buccaneers have a mixed record at home so far this season, with their victory over Matsatsantsa preceded by a loss to Bidvest Wits and draw with Highlands Park.

City suffered their second defeat of the season – and saw their winless run extended to four matches – when they were beaten 4-1 at home by Kaizer Chiefs on September 15. The Cape side also had defender Taariq Fielies sent off.

The Citizens have yet to win on the road this season, with their two results away from home a 2-1 loss to Baroka and a 2-2 draw with Free State Stars.

In head-to-head stats, Pirates and City have met in four league matches since 2016/17. The teams have a dead-even record, with one win apiece, two draws and three goals both scored and conceded.

Last season the Buccaneers won their home match 1-0 in the first half of the campaign, thanks to a goal from Thabo Qalinge, but the Citizens responded with a 1-0 win over their own in the return game, with a strike from Ayanda Patosi.

Pirates’ line-up from their 3-1 win over SuperSport on September 15: Mpontshane, Matlaba (Shonga 76’), Jele, Nyauza, Maema, Mako (Thopola 65’), Mlambo, Motshwari, Pule, Mntambo (Lorch 76’), Mulenga.

City’s line-up from their 4-1 loss to Chiefs on September 15: Leeuwenbergh, Mkhize, Fielies, Mngonyama, Seedat, Matsi, Modise (Putsche 62’), Patosi (Mthembu 71’), Martin, Ralani (Links 62’), Rusike.