Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows - Tuesday, 13 May 2025
This second league encounter in the space of a few days between the two sides takes place at Orlando Stadium, with the Buccaneers back in familiar territory after two weeks on the road.
It also marks a departure from home comforts for Abafana Bes'thende, who gear up for their first away fixture this month.
Three straight matches away from home have produced mixed results for the Soweto giants. The most recent of these was a devastating defeat in the Nedbank Cup final where they lost 2-1 to rivals Kaizer Chiefs, falling short of a third consecutive title.
The defeat at Moses Mabhida Stadium had been preceded by back-to-back league wins including one at the same venue against the team they are hosting on Tuesday.
The six points earned in those two matches have secured a finish in the top two with another 15 up for grabs in the remainder of the season.
This will require bouncing back in their backyard, where they suffered a rare slip-up in their last home outing.
That narrow defeat to Sekhukhune United was only the second in 11 home games for Orlando Pirates, who have claimed victory in each of their other nine league fixtures in Soweto.
They have conceded just seven goals in the process, while finding the net 23 times.
For the visitors, the change of venue will be a welcome one after a lengthy stay at home failed to yield a single point in three attempts.
This has placed them in unwanted territory in the standings, where they currently languish in 14th place with just four games left to play.
It has been a disappointing campaign for Golden Arrows who have been a feature in the contest for a spot in the top eight in recent years, finishing ninth for three seasons running.
Those heights are still mathematically possible through a remarkable turnaround, starting with three points at Orlando Stadium.
That will be no mean feat, however, as their struggles have extended well beyond their home base.
They boast just three wins in 11 games on the road with their last away victory dating back to early March when they stunned Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Having managed a measly two points in their last five fixtures home and away, Abafana Bes'thende now face the immense task of rescuing their season as they set their sights on a wounded Bucs side.
The visitors have been bolstered by the return of midfielder Blessing Mchunu, who missed last week's encounter in Durban.
The 24-year-old has served his one-match suspension and is now part of his side's options for the clash in Orlando.
Orlando Pirates meanwhile could be tempted to make a few changes for the fixture following a bruising weekend assignment against their biggest rivals.
They have picked up no fresh suspensions over the past week and will welcome two key players back to league action after both sat out the previous encounter between the two sides.
Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will relish against his former side after a red card ruled him out of the match held in Durban, while Thalente Mbatha makes his first Premiership appearance since the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium.
Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates): The big striker provides extra height and physicality up front and will be high in confidence after getting on the scoresheet in consecutive starts. He sits on 10 goals in all competitions this season, and will be determined to increase that figure as he faces off against Arrows.
Siyanda Mthanti (Golden Arrows): The young winger has been one of the shining lights in a season that has not gone his side's way. Mthanti has so far contributed to five of Arrows' goals this season – a figure which includes last Tuesday's equaliser against the Buccaneers.
The midweek win over Abafana Bes'thende further cemented the Buccaneers' dominance in the fixture.
It extended their winning streak to five matches, and they have the opportunity to claim a third consecutive league double should they emerge victorious in Soweto.
Golden Arrows meanwhile chase a rare away win over Orlando Pirates. It's a feat they last achieved nearly 10 years ago when second-half goals from Kudakwashe Mahachi and Gladwin Shitolo secured a 2-0 upset at Orlando Stadium.
While the Soweto giants have had a clear upper hand on home soil since then – posting three convincing victories, they have not always achieved the desired results with stalemates standing out as the most common outcome.
A total of five out of the eight matches played in Orlando Pirates' backyard during this period have finished in a share of the spoils, with all failing to produce a goal.
Kick-off is at 19:30 with the fixture televised live on SuperSport PSL.
Tickets are available for sale online on OpenTickets while physical tickets can be purchased at various Shoprite, Checkers, and USave outlets nationwide.
Anything other than the full three points for Orlando Pirates will hand Mamelodi Sundowns the 2024/25 Betway Premiership title tonight.
Orlando Pirates 2-0 Golden Arrows
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
COMMENT: The Ghost of Riveiro,Ouaddou's toughest opponent at Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has had a tough start to his tenure as Bucs coach. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Orlando Pirates have stumbled out of the gates under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, losing their first two Betway Premiership fixtures before holding champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a draw in Saturday's MTN8 semi-final first leg. It is hardly the dream start many Buccaneers fans had hoped for. But the real opponent confronting the Moroccan tactician isn't Sundowns' dominance, nor the unpredictable rhythms of a Soweto rivalry. It is the shadow of José Riveiro, the Spaniard whose success still looms large at Orlando Stadium. In two and a half years, Riveiro brought a sense of stability, two MTN8 titles, back-to-back Nedbank Cups and, crucially, restored belief that Pirates could win again. More than trophies, he gave them an identity, with a possession-based style and sharp attacking transitions that reignited the 'Happy People.' That is the standard Ouaddou must now match — and quickly. Every result so far has already been filtered through the prism of Riveiro. Back-to-back league defeats triggered the familiar murmur: 'This wouldn't have happened under José.'
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Sebelebele's rise and Mashiloane's stuggles
Orlando Pirates' new signings have been hit and misses so far this season. The likes of Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis and Kamogelo Sebelebe have impressed so far, while the likes of Tshepo Mashiloane have struggled. In the four matches Pirates played, they have won once this season. Against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg, Sebelebele scored a late goal to secure a draw. 'It was not an easy game, and it was my first time starting,' The Bucs attacker told OP TV. 'So, it wasn't easy, but I pushed. After they [Sundowns] scored, I still didn't give up. I had a feeling we would score and win the game. 'Unfortunately, we didn't win this game, but we will try and push so that we can win the second leg. 'And we couldn't afford to lose this game because it would've meant that we lose two games in succession. 'So, we have to come back and win. This is Orlando Pirates. 'The Orlando Pirates that people know has to make a comeback.' Former TS Galaxy head coach Dan 'Dance' Malesela has weight in on Mashiloane's struggles at Pirates. 'When you embark on a new journey, people will always question everything you do,' Malesela tells KickOff. 'Players improve with game time, and sometimes we are too quick to criticize them without giving them a chance. 'I've said it before: Tshepo's only challenge at Pirates will be dealing with crosses. It's an issue he faced here with us, too. He needs to improve his reading and anticipation of crosses. Other than that, he is a fine player,' he added. 'People should not rush to judge; they need to give others a chance. No one starts a new job knowing everything about the company. We all need time to adapt. 'I also encourage the senior players at Pirates to help guide him on how things are done during games at the club. 'The good news is that struggling to deal with crosses is a challenge that can be trained and coached.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
'There was Nkota, now there's Sebelebele' – Ex-Pirates striker
Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe has explained what makes new signing Kamogelo Sebelebele a good player. The 23-year-old scored his debut goal for the Buccaneers against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final match at Orlando Stadium. The speedy player scored a late equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw in the first leg on Saturday. Manenzhe feels Sebelebele will be a perfect replacement for Mohau Nkota. 'He is a technically gifted player, you know. But what does he bring? He brings aggression, speed, and also the hunger to ask for the ball from behind,' Manenzhe told SuperSport TV . 'So, that is exactly how Orlando Pirates scored the goal [against Sundowns], with Sebelebele asking for the ball from behind. 'He is an out-and-out right winger. In the previous season, they had Mohau Nkota, who is left-footed, playing on the right, but this time they have an out-and-out right-footer on the right-hand side. When he receives the ball, there is no need to turn back to his stronger foot. 'He faced Ronwen Williams and became resourceful, putting the ball in the back of the net,' Manenzhe said. Sebelebele's performance has made him a fan favourite at Orlando Pirates. His energy, runs and aggression have been praised following his solid showing. Will Sebelebele maintain his form? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
