Pirates, Sundowns look for more joy in weekend league action

Orlando Pirates players during a training session

Friday Sep 17, 2021. 10:00

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will look for further joy in the DStv Premiership when they face Chippa United and TS Galaxy respectively, as part of six DStv Premiership matches played across South Africa on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September.

Pirates are set to travel to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for their clash with the Chilli Boys on Saturday. The Buccaneers extended their unbeaten run to five matches in the league – and secured a first win of the season – when they defeated Swallows FC 1-0 in their last game on September 11.

“We are in the process of trying to fix the team and most important is the performance,” Pirates’ co-interim coach Fadlu Davids said after their win over Swallows.

“If we can perform this way, with more fluidity in our attack, more domination from start to finish and be able to do it for a certain period, that would be good.

“We are looking at the bigger picture. The results give you that extra boost, that momentum to go into the next game.”

Another key clash sees Sundowns play host to TS Galaxy at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday. Masandawana extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches in the Premiership and took firm control of top spot when they claimed a 2-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs at home in their last game on September 12.

‘Downs co-coach Rulani Mokwena paid tribute to the team for their performance against Chiefs and is hopeful for a repeat against the Rockets.

“Credit to the entire team, to the technical staff. A very good team performance, even with the subs coming in you could see the intensity and the willingness to assist the team to win the game. Congratulations to Sundowns, strong, powerful performance,” he stated.

Meanwhile, a wounded Chiefs side will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they host Royal AM at the FNB Stadium, with the Amakhosi well aware that they must not allow Sundowns to build a major lead if they are to compete for the title.

The weekend also features Baroka FC looking to avoid a hat-trick of defeats when they host Sekhukhune United, a derby between Cape Town City and Stellenbosch FC, and Swallows FC hosting SuperSport United at the Dobsonville Stadium.

DStv Premiership weekend fixtures

Times CAT

Saturday 18 September

15h00: Chippa United vs Orlando Pirates

17h00: Kaizer Chiefs v Royal AM

17h00: Baroka FC v Sekhukhune United

17h00: Cape Town City v Stellenbosch FC

Sunday 19 September

15h00: Swallows FC v SuperSport United

17h00: Mamelodi Sundowns v TS Galaxy