Pirates, Polokwane look to bounce back from derby defeats

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal with teammates

Monday Nov 25, 2019. 16:07

Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City will both be looking to bounce back from derby defeats in the Absa Premiership when they meet at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday 26 November 2019, kick-off at 19h30.

Pirates suffered a fourth league defeat of 2019/20 when they were beaten 3-2 at Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs on November 9. The Buccaneers, though, are unbeaten at home this term and have taken nine points from five matches.

Polokwane suffered a sixth straight league defeat when they were beaten 1-0 at home by Limpopo rivals Baroka FC on November 9. Rise and Shine have taken seven points from six away matches in the 2019/20 campaign.

In head-to-head stats, City and Pirates have met in 12 league matches since 2013/14. The Buccaneers have claimed five wins compared to one for Rise and Shine, while no less than six matches have been drawn. The Soweto side boasts an unbeaten home record in the rivalry, with three wins and three draws from six turns as hosts.

Last season Pirates claimed a league ‘double’ over Polokwane, with a 2-1 win win at Peter Mokaba Stadium in November 2018 and a 3-0 victory – with goals from Thembinkosi Lorch (two) and Vincent Pule – in the return game in Soweto in May 2019.

Pirates’ line-up from their 3-2 loss to Chiefs on November 9: Sandilands, Mabaso, Nyauza, Maela, Mako, Motshwari, Mlambo (Mulenga 87’), Makaringe (Mabasa 57’), Pule (Shonga 71’), Lorch, Mhango.

Polokwane’s line-up from their 1-0 loss to Baroka on November 9: Chibwe, Nkili (W. Maluleke 42’), Mbonani, Motloung, Hlongwane, Manaka, Phiri, J. Maluleke, Musona (Hlubi 64’), Mashumba, Booi.