Pirates out to hunt Leopards

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Apr 10, 2019. 16:30

Orlando Pirates will look for three precious points in their Absa Premiership title bid when they host Black Leopards at Orlando Stadium on 10 April 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Pirates extended their unbeaten run in the league to five games – and went to the top of the standings – with a 1-0 away win over fellow title rivals Bidvest Wits on April 6. A late own goal secured the clutch win for the Soweto giants.

The Buccaneers have claimed 19 points from 12 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns on April 1.

Leopards suffered their 10th defeat of the league season when they were beaten 3-1 at Limpopo rivals Polokwane City on April 7. Their goal was netted by Mwape Musonda, who continues to lead the scoring charts with 13 goals in 2018/19.

Lidoda Duvha have claimed just seven points from 12 away matches this season, and their only win on the road came at Baroka FC in early January.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and Pirates have met in 19 league matches since 2001/02. The Buccaneers have claimed 15 wins compared to just one for Lidoda Duvha, while three matches have been drawn. The Soweto side’s home record in the rivalry reads P9 W7 D2 L0.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in August 2018, Pirates claimed a 2-1 away win, thanks to an own goal from Thivhavhudzi Ndou and a strike from Vincent Pule. The result means the Buccaneers have won their last five successive league matches against Lidoda Duvha.

Pirates’ line-up from their 1-0 win over Wits on April 6: Sandilands, Jele, Ndengane, Maela, Dube, Motshwari, Nyatama, Memela (Munetsi 90'+3), Shonga, Mulenga, Gabuza (Qalinge 70').

Leopards’ line-up from their 3-1 loss to Polokwane on April 7: K. Ndlovu, Munyai, Munganga, Ndou, Zulu, Nange (Bereng 51’), Masalesa, Mhlongo (Mahangwahaya 68’), Kapinga (Bereng 68’), Hlongwane, Musonda.