Pirates, Sundowns aim to maintain perfect records

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Oct 25, 2024. 10:52

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will both be aiming to maintain their perfect records in the Betway Premiership when a full round of matches is played across South Africa this weekend.

In addition, SuperSport United will be seeking revenge against Kaizer Chiefs, as they host the Soweto giants at Peter Mokaba Stadium in the early-evening kick-off on Saturday – having clashed at the same venue in the first round of the Carling Knockout last weekend. The Amakhosi romped to a 4-0 win in that match, and Matsatsantsa also went on to slump to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Orlando Pirates in a league clash this past midweek, but coach Gavin Hunt is confident his team can bounce back to form.

“There’s a lot of things you can do [to lift the mood in the team]. Ja, we’ve lost two games like this but believe you me, it’s not a head down situation,” Hunt explained. “Everyone is positive. I’m the first one to see anybody slacking, but they are not. They are giving their all.”

The weekend action kicks off on Friday evening at the Orlando Stadium, as Pirates chase a fifth straight win when they welcome bottom of the log AmaZulu FC.

The Buccaneers have beaten Chippa United, Polokwane City, Richards Bay and SuperSport thus far to establish themselves as creditable challengers for the title. Yet coach Jose Riveiro continues to push for improvements, asking his team to be more ruthless in attack and kill off games early when they have the chance.

“We scored so early, maybe we’d like to consolidate that advantage early. The contact of the opponent in our box was a really low number and the game is not done…so we need that second goal maybe early and maybe that’s one of the things we can do better in the future. But again, scoring one goal is the most difficult thing in this game, let’s be honest,” Riveiro explained.

Sundowns are also in the hunt for a fifth straight win, and will back themselves to get the better of Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday in the wake of a 2-1 home triumph over Royal AM this past midweek.

The weekend also features Richards Bay, Marumo Gallants and Royal AM at home to Stellenbosch FC, TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United respectively; Chippa United and Golden Arrows crossing swords in Gqeberha on Saturday night; and Magesi FC tackling Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

Betway Premiership weekend fixtures

Times CAT

Friday 25 October

19:30: Orlando Pirates v AmaZulu

Saturday 26 October

15:00: Richards Bay v Stellenbosch FC

15:00: Marumo Gallants v TS Galaxy

15:00: Royal AM v Sekhukhune United

17:30: SuperSport United v Kaizer Chiefs

20:00: Chippa United v Golden Arrows

Sunday 27 October

15:00: Cape Town City v Magesi FC

15:00: Polokwane City v Mamelodi Sundowns