Pirates, Wits renew their rivalry

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Aug 14, 2020. 20:25

Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits will renew their rivalry in the Absa Premiership when they meet at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday 15 August 2020, kick-off at 18h00.

Pirates come into the match on the back of a 0-0 draw away to Mamelodi Sundowns on August 11, a result which extended their winless run in the league to three matches. The Buccaneers have claimed 24 points from 11 home matches so far this season.

Wits recorded a sixth draw of the season upon resuming their league campaign on August 12, as a late Cole Alexander goal saw them hold log leaders Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 away. The Clever Boys have taken 21 points from 11 matches on the road in this campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Wits and Pirates have met in 68 league matches since 1985. The Buccaneers have claimed 27 wins to the Clever Boys’ 20, while 21 games have been drawn. The Soweto side has won 15 of 33 home matches in the rivalry, suffering eight defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in September 2019, Wits claimed a thrilling 4-3 victory thanks to goals from Deon Hotto, Mxolisi Machupu (two) and Cole Alexander.

Pirates’ line-up from their 0-0 draw with Sundowns on August 11: Sandilands, Maela, Jele, Nyauza, Mabaso (Monyane 90′), Motshwari, Makaringe, Mako, Pule (Zungu 90′), Mulenga (Memela 46′), Mhango (Mabasa 90+4′).

Wits’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with Chiefs on August 12: Goss, Macheke, Gordinho, Hlatshwayo, Phillips (Eva Nga 46’), Domingo (Sekgota 80’), Alexander, Nange, Hotto, Human (Khunyedi 46’ [Machupu 71’]), Dzvukamanja (Monare 90+4’).