Log leaders Orlando Pirates are back on the road as they prepare for a Betway Premiership clash away to TS Galaxy tonight at Mbombela Stadium. The Buccaneers are looking to consolidate their place at the top of the log standing against a TS Galaxy outfit that is fighting the pressure of facing relegation.
To win (90 min)
TS Galaxy 46/10
Draw 24/10
Orlando Pirates 13/20
TS Galaxy
The Rockets finally put some points on the board after sharing the spoils with Marumo Gallants over the weekend in a match that ended 1-1. Samukelo Kabini put his team ahead shortly after the halftime break as the defender got on the end of a great ball from Puso Dithejane.
Despite being a man down after Gallants captain Edgar Manaka received his marching orders, they continued to add pressure on The Rockets and were rewarded for their efforts after Thapelo Dhludhlu equalized to secure a point in a fiercely contested fixture.
That draw meant it was their first point after four attempts in the league following underwhelming defeats in each of their three opening games which were all played away from home. As they occupy 15th on the log standings, the Mpumalanga outfit has experienced some mixed results outside of the Premiership, getting knocked out in the first round of the MTN8 before advancing to the last eight of the Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the month.
Their most recent cup result, along with the draw against Gallants in their latest league outing means they are unbeaten in two games ahead of their massive clash with the Soweto giants.
Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates sit comfortably in first place in the league standings after maintaining their 100 percent record, claiming all available points in their first five league fixtures. The Buccaneers brushed AmaZulu aside last Friday after new boy on the block, Mohau Nkota, bagged a brace after an incredible performance.
Pirates met SuperSport United a few days later at a packed Orlando Stadium and again they proved to be too strong to handle and walked away victorious, claiming six points in a short space of time. The confidence and belief within the Pirates camp puts them in the right frame of mind to be relentless in every game they participate in.
The Buccaneers continue to battle with their busy schedule and are competing in three different competitions early into the new season. The biggest setback Pirates have suffered in 14 games since the start of the 2024/25 season came from an early exit in the Carling Knockout Cup thanks to newly promoted Magesi.
Having remained undefeated across their previous two fixtures since their shocking exit in the Carling Knockout, they will be eager to make the most of their league responsibilities which will carry them through the upcoming international break.
Prediction: Pirates to win
Orlando Pirates are operating at a very high level compared to their hosts TS Galaxy. Coach Jose Riveiro will be determined to maintain their unbeaten record in the league and will approach this fixture with only one outcome on his mind, TO WIN!
Written by Marc Strydom.