Pirates, Sundowns set for heavyweight clash

by Staff Reporter

Monday Apr 01, 2019. 12:00

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet for a heavyweight clash in the Absa Premiership on 1 April 2019 at the Orlando Stadium, kick-off at 19h30.

Pirates missed out on a third successive league win when they were held 1-1 at home by Bloemfontein Celtic on March 5. Despite the result, the Soweto side rose to the top of the standings at the time.

The Buccaneers have claimed 18 points from 11 home matches this season, recording four wins, six draws and just one defeat.

Sundowns returned to winning form by defeating Maritzburg United 2-1 away on March 12, with goals from Emiliano Tade and Lebohang Maboe. The result took them back to the top of the log.

The Brazilians have claimed 24 points from 11 away matches this season, with their only defeat on the road a 1-2 reverse at Cape Town City in early March.

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and Pirates have met in 68 league matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 30 wins compared to 20 for the Buccaneers, while 18 games have been drawn. The Soweto side has won 10 of 33 home matches in the rivalry, suffering 16 defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Loftus Stadium in November 2018, they played out a goalless stalemate. It was the first 0-0 draw between the teams since the 2011/12 season.

Pirates’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Celtic on March 5: Sandilands, Jele, Ndengane, Maela, Mabaso (Qalinge 61’), Nyatama, Pule, Mahachi (Gabuza 72’), Lorch, Shonga, Mulenga (Memela 59’).

Sundowns’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Maritzburg on March 12: Onyango, Morena, Coetzee, Nascimento, Langerman, Sirino, Kekana, Mabunda, Zwane (Mahlambi 84’), Maboe, Tade (Lakay 64’).