Orlando Pirates Aim to Reclaim Leadership Position as Kaizer Chiefs Target Six Consecutive Wins

We take a look at the key match-ups as the season nears its conclusion.

Pirates set sights on the summit

After a frustrating 2-2 draw at Richards Bay last week, Orlando Pirates are set to bounce back as they welcome AmaZulu – currently fourth on the table – to their home ground this Saturday.

A triumph in this fixture would see The Buccaneers rise back to the league’s pinnacle, two points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns, who will have two games in hand. This scenario would certainly apply pressure on The Brazilians to respond.

Pirates hold an impressive record against Usuthu, remaining unbeaten in their last 24 encounters (W14 D10). The last time AmaZulu defeated the Soweto team was a narrow 1-0 victory back in August 2013.

Earlier this season, Pirates secured a 2-0 win in the previous match, conceding in only two of their last 11 home league matches. However, AmaZulu come into this clash on a solid run away from home, having won five of their last eight trips (D1 L1).

Chiefs look to extend their successful run

Kaizer Chiefs are on a five-match winning streak after overpowering Magesi FC 4-1 on Wednesday night, consolidating their hold on third position and leaving the door open for a potential second-place finish this season.

Currently, they trail Pirates—who sit in second—by 10 points, but they have a game in hand and still have a fixture against their rivals on April 26.

The Chiefs are riding high with five consecutive league victories, their best performance since the 2019/20 season when they enjoyed eight wins in a row.

Polokwane City, sitting seventh, have not managed to secure a win in their last seven home league encounters (D4 L3) since their triumph against Sekhukhune United back in September.

The last nine clashes between City and Chiefs have seen three wins apiece and three draws.

Magesi aiming for home redemption

Struggling at the bottom of the table, Magesi FC believe their recent performances have warranted better results, and there is some truth to this sentiment. However, securing points remains the priority, and they are in dire need of doing so.

Their recent heavy defeat of 4-1 to Chiefs was a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering they started the match well.

A win against Durban City, who are also having a tough time since reaching the Nedbank Cup final, could lift them out of the relegation zone.

Durban City have had two wins but three losses in their last five matches across all competitions, each contest concluding with a 1-0 scoreline.

Currently occupying sixth place, City will be eager to tally enough points to secure a spot in next year’s MTN8, needing just five more to reach the 40-point mark.

In their earlier meeting in Durban this season, City secured a dominating 3-1 victory over Magesi.

Orbit College faces Golden Arrows challenge

Orbit College encounters an unpredictable Lamontville Golden Arrows side on Saturday. Arrows are known for their inconsistency but are hungry for points to challenge for a top-eight finish.

They have recently celebrated away victories against other relegation-strugglers such as Magesi FC and Marumo Gallants, making them favourites. However, they are coming off a heavy 5-0 loss to Orlando Pirates in their last away outing.

Orbit College has not tasted victory in four matches (D1 L3) and has a dismal record at home, with just a draw and five losses from their last six games dating back to November. Their last win on home soil was against Magesi.

This season, the two teams have met twice already, once in league play and once in the Nedbank Cup, both resulting in 3-0 victories for Golden Arrows.

Stalemate expected in Bloemfontein

Marumo Gallants managed to put an end to a three-match losing streak with a goalless draw against Orbit College last weekend and are now set to clash with local rivals Siwelele, the lowest-scoring team in the league, at home this Saturday.

This match presents a perfect opportunity for Gallants to add a crucial point to their tally, although a win would be invaluable. They have not achieved a home victory in the league since a 2-1 win against Chippa United in October.

Siwelele has languished with only 13 goals scored across 23 league games this season, while Gallants share the second-lowest tally with 17 alongside Magesi and Orbit College. A scoreless draw seems quite probable.

In their earlier meeting this season, Siwelele edged out Gallants with a 1-0 victory at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, which has been their shared venue for most of the ongoing campaign.