Bucs, Amakhosi headline DStv Premiership return

by Staff Reporter

Friday Nov 24, 2023. 11:00

The return of the DStv Premiership after the international break will be headlined by narratives surrounding Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

Pirates are first up on the fixture list, playing away to Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a repeat of the teams’ recent Carling Knockout clash.

That encounter ended 0-0 before the Natal Rich Boyz triumphed on penalties to secure a major upset – one which the Buccaneers will be hungry to avenge.

“The performance is a 3-0, 4-0 performance but we didn’t score,” said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro after his side’s shootout defeat to Richards Bay. “So, now we are analysing the results, and that we are out. But it doesn’t have any relation with preparation, the fact that we are out.”

Saturday afternoon also sees AmaZulu looking to keep up their fine form (unbeaten in five matches across all competitions and chasing a hat-trick of wins) when they welcome Stellenbosch FC (also unbeaten in their last five games) to Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“The character of this team is amazing… they [AmaZulu players] fought very hard for the badge and for their teammate [Bonginkosi Ntuli, who passed away recently]. It’s just unbelievable how this team fights,” said coach Pablo Franco.

Saturday is topped off by Cape Town Spurs hosting Royal AM in the ‘Mother City’, with the match marking the Urban Warriors debut of new coach Ernst Middendorp, who has been parachuted in to try and save the club from the threat of relegation.

Sunday features TS Galaxy and Golden Arrows playing host to Polokwane City and Cape Town City respectively, but all eyes will be on struggling heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs.

The Amakhosi have lost four of their last five matches across all competitions and are desperately seeking redemption after defeat to Soweto rivals Pirates in their last match before the international break.

Chiefs will come up against another Soweto side, Moroka Swallows, at Dobsonville Stadium and the pressure will continue to build on interim coach Cavin Johnson if he cannot lead the team in gold and black back to winning ways.

DStv Premiership weekend fixtures

Times CAT

Saturday 25 November

15:30: Richards Bay v Orlando Pirates

15:30: AmaZulu v Stellenbosch FC

17:45: Cape Town Spurs v Royal AM

Sunday 26 November

15:30: TS Galaxy v Polokwane City

15:30: Moroka Swallows v Kaizer Chiefs

17:45: Golden Arrows v Cape Town City