This weekend, Orlando Pirates have an opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the Betway Premiership, while Kaizer Chiefs will look to maintain their impressive form. Additionally, critical matches are on the horizon at the bottom of the table.
Let’s take a look at the significant fixtures as the season approaches its climax.
Pirates set sights on first place
Orlando Pirates will need to shake off the disappointment of last week’s 2-2 draw against Richards Bay as they welcome fourth-placed AmaZulu this Saturday. A win would elevate The Buccaneers to the top of the league, putting them two points ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, although they have played two more matches. Nonetheless, this ‘scoreboard pressure’ may provoke a reaction from The Brazilians.
The Pirates boast a strong record against Usuthu, remaining unbeaten in their last 24 encounters across all competitions (W14 D10). AmaZulu’s last victory against the Soweto side came back in August 2013, when they won 1-0 away.
Earlier in the season, Pirates won the corresponding fixture 2-0 and have only conceded goals in two of their last eleven home league games. However, AmaZulu has shown resilience on the road, securing five wins in their past eight away matches (D1 L1).
Chiefs eye continued success
Kaizer Chiefs secured a fifth consecutive victory by thrashing Magesi FC 4-1 on Wednesday night, solidifying their hold on third place and possibly opening the door to a second-place finish this season.
They sit ten points behind Pirates, the team currently in second, but possess a game in hand and are set to face their fierce Soweto rivals on April 26.
Currently, the Chiefs are on their best league winning streak since the 2019/20 season, where they managed eight straight wins.
While seventh on the table, City has been struggling at home with no wins in their last seven matches (D4 L3), their last victory over Sekhukhune United occurring in September.
Historically, their meetings with Chiefs have been evenly matched, with the last nine fixtures yielding three wins apiece and three draws.
Magesi looking for uplift at home
Last-placed Magesi FC believe their recent performances surpass their results, and there might be some truth to that. However, ultimately, it’s about racking up points, something they desperately need.
Wednesday’s heavy 4-1 defeat against Chiefs was a blow, particularly since they were competitive in the first half but it highlighted their vulnerabilities.
A victory against visiting Durban City could see them escape the relegation zone entirely, with City also feeling the pressure after reaching the Nedbank Cup final.
City has managed two wins and three losses in their last five outings, with all results concluding 1-0, whether in their favour or against.
Currently sitting sixth, City likely has enough to secure a spot in next season’s MTN8 but will be eager to reach the 40-point mark for assurance, needing a further five points.
The earlier fixture played in Durban this season resulted in a convincing 3-1 victory for the home side.
Orbit College face tricky Arrows
Orbit College will host a challenging Lamontville Golden Arrows side on Saturday. Arrows is known for their inconsistency but will be eager to earn points to vie for a top-eight finish.
Golden Arrows have achieved recent wins away at both Magesi FC and Marumo Gallants, so expectations for another win are high.
However, their last away match ended in a dismal 5-0 defeat at the hands of Orlando Pirates.
Orbit has been winless in four games (D1 L3) and have only one draw out of their last six home games dating back to November, with their only victory at home coming against Magesi.
This season, the two teams have faced off twice, both at Golden Arrows, with Arrows winning each time by a scoreline of 3-0.
Struggling attacks clash in Bloemfontein
Marumo Gallants recently halted a streak of three defeats with a scoreless draw against fellow relegation battlers Orbit College last weekend. They will face local rivals Siwelele, who currently hold the title of the league’s lowest-scoring team, at home this Saturday.
Gallants see this as a prime opportunity to secure at least one more point to inch closer to safety, but a home victory would be much more valuable. They have not achieved a league win at home since beating Chippa United 2-1 back in October.
Siwelele has netted just 13 goals in 23 league matchups this season, while Gallants are tied for second-lowest scorers with 17 goals alongside Magesi and Orbit College. A scoreline of 0-0 is a distinct possibility here.
Earlier in the season, Siwelele won the reverse fixture 1-0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, a venue both clubs have shared for much of this season.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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