Maritzburg, Pirates renew their rivalry

Vincent Pule of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Supersport United on the 29 August 2020 at Emirates Airline Park, Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Tuesday Sep 01, 2020. 15:30

Maritzburg United and Orlando Pirates will renew their rivalry in the penultimate round of the 2019/20 Absa Premiership season, as they meet at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday 2 September 2020, kick-off at 18h00.

Maritzburg played to a third successive draw when they were held 1-1 away to Highlands Park on August 29, with Pogiso Sanoka netting their goal. The Team of Choice has claimed 24 points from 14 home matches so far in the 2019/20 season.

Pirates broke a six-game winless streak in the league by defeating SuperSport United 2-1 at home on August 29, courtesy of goals from Vincent Pule and Zakhele Lepasa. The Buccaneers have taken just 17 points from 14 matches on the road in this campaign.

In head-to-head stats, Maritzburg and Pirates have met in 27 league matches since 2005/06. The Buccaneers have claimed 13 wins compared to six for the Team of Choice, while eight matches have been drawn. The KwaZulu-Natal side has won four of their 13 home league matches against their Soweto counterparts, suffering six defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Orlando Stadium in November 2019, they played out a goalless stalemate. The last three league meetings of Maritzburg and Pirates have produced just one goal.

Maritzburg’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Highlands on August 29: Ofori, Sanoka, Morgan (Timm 90’+4), De Reuck, Kutumela, Tlolane (Mngonyama 85′), Ntshangase, Shandu (Hlongwane 60′), Bongo (Buchanan 60′), Claasen, Moseamedi.

Pirates’ line-up from their 2-1 win over SuperSport on August 29: Sandilands, Maela, Nyauza Jele, Monyane (Ndengane 90′), Zungu (Ndlovu 51′), Motshwari, Makaringe, Pule, Lorch (Mabaso 84′), Mhango (Lepasa 57′).