Orlando Pirates return to home turf where they will look to continue their stride in the fiercely competitive Betway Premiership title race as they take on fellow top-three contenders, Sekhukhune United.
The Mighty Buccaneers currently occupy second spot in the league with a commendable 46 points garnered from 20 matches, have established a formidable run of form, navigating their last four league encounters without a single defeat.
Their most recent triumph, a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Polokwane City, served as a fitting demonstration of their ‘Never Say Die’ attitude.
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With two games in hand over the current league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, the Soweto giants remain firmly within striking distance of the coveted title.
After being dispatched in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-final, they will undoubtedly approach this midweek fixture with an eagerness to chip away at the nine point gap that exists between them and the summit of the Betway Premiership table.
Indeed, while continental aspirations have been curtailed, this development could potentially allow Jose Riveiro’s men channel their full focus and resources towards achieving domestic success and reclaiming the South African topflight crown.
Their opponents, Sekhukhune United, led by former Orlando Pirates mentor Eric Tinkler present a significant challenge. Currently third in the league standings with a respectable 41 points accumulated from 24 matches, the Limpopo-based club remains firmly in contention for a coveted spot in next season’s CAF inter-club competitions.
Reflecting on their recent 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy, the Sekhukhune United boss acknowledged the dropped points while immediately turning his attention to the upcoming challenge. “This should have been the easiest of our remaining five league fixtures,” Tinkler stated candidly after the match.
“I was counting on three points from this match before tougher ones that lie ahead, starting with a visit to Orlando Pirates on Wednesday.”
With a mere six league matches remaining for Sekhukhune United, every single point carries immense significance as they strive to secure a coveted place on the continental stage next season.
The clash at Orlando Stadium therefore sets the stage for a compelling battle between two ambitious sides with distinct yet equally pressing objectives.
Orlando Pirates will be intent on maintaining their title aspirations, while Sekhukhune United will be equally determined to bolster their chances of securing CAF competition qualification. Kick off is set for 19h30 later this evening at Orlando Stadium.