Chiefs soar while Pirates regroup: Soweto giants plot strong finish after cup drama

IOL News

13-05-2025

José Riveiro will be in charge of Orlando Pirates for the last time on Tuesday night against Golden Arrows. Photo: Itumeleng English Indpendent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Indpendent Media
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs' recent showing in the Nedbank Cup final has set tongues wagging — with Chiefs not only claiming bragging rights but also lifting their first trophy in nearly a decade following their 2-1 victory.
While both clubs walk away from the season with silverware, neither will be fully satisfied with how their respective league campaigns have unfolded. Now, attention shifts back to the league, where plenty remains unresolved and spots remain up for grabs.
Mamelodi Sundowns still need one point from their two remaining matches, and while mathematically the Buccaneers are still in it, their chances are far better off for second place.
Chiefs, on the other hand, will be flying high after their trophy win, but they cannot afford to be hungover from their celebrations, because as things stand, they are still missing out on the top eight, and that might just be a spoiler.
Here, Obakeng Meletse looks at the rest of the league campaign for both sides and how they can finish the season on a high.
BUCS' STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO
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Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows
The two sides will be meeting for the second time in a week, with Orlando Stadium (19:30 kick-off) set to host what will be Jose Riveiro's final match in charge of the Sea Robbers.
The Spanish mentor masterminded Pirates' come-from-behind 2-1 win last week to keep his side's hopes of chasing down a rampant Sundowns, who later responded with commanding wins against Stellenbosch FC (3-0) and Chippa United (3-0).
Riveiro is set to vacate his seat earlier than expected and it will be an emotional encounter for the Sea Robbers and their fans, which could play into Manqoba Mngqithi and his side's advantage.
Prediction: Pirates will have enough quality and will win 3-1
Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy
Goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha handed Pirates a comfortable 2-0 win over the Rockets the last time the two sides met in October last year.
Adnan Beganovic has done fairly well since taking over from fellow countryman Sead Ramovic but in their chase for the third position, they fell off just at the end as they failed to keep up with Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC.
Coming up against a wounded Pirates side after their CAF Champions League elimination and recent Nedbank Cup loss, they will also be having a new leader on the bench following Riveiro's departure but even with that, it will not be enough to shake the quality the Buccaneers have in their ranks.
Prediction: Pirates to win 2-0
Supersport United vs Orlando Pirates
Matsatsantsa a Pitori have had a season to forget and as they battle their way through a tough relegation battle, they have had to deal with pressure from the outside world, as the rumor that the club might be up for sale might be having its impact on the players.
Under the guidance of Gavin Hunt, Matsatsantsa suffered a 3-1 loss in the final of the MTN8 and they later got topped off with a 2-0 defeat in the league. To rub salt into their wounds, an Andre Arendse-led side pushed Pirates close but didn't have luck on their side as they lost 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal.
Prediction: Pirates will collect all maximum points and win by 3-1 AmaZulu vs Orlando Pirates
This could be the toughest test yet in Pirates' league run-in, as they face an unpredictable AmaZulu side brimming with individual quality. Usuthu's inconsistency may make them hard to plan for, but when they do turn up, they've proven capable of troubling any team in the league.
Pirates, though rich in depth, may find themselves vulnerable — especially if they enter the clash with little left to play for, which could leave them up for the taking with Usuthu still fighting to finish in the top eight.
Prediction: AmaZulu to win 1-0
🎙 Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi:
'We just have one responsibility and one mandate- fight for three points'
🆚 @goldenarrowsfc1
🗓️ 13 May 2025
⌛ 19:30
🏟️ Orlando Stadium
📺 @SuperSportTV
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/12bWUoEm6A — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 12, 2025
Orlando Pirates vs Magesi FC
Magesi have had an impressive run that has seen them exit the relegation scrap, but coming up against a Pirates side playing in their final match at home in front of the fans could be a tall order for Owen da Gama and his chargers.
Dikwena tsa Meetse will be coming back to the Orlando Stadium for the first time since they beat Pirates by 3-2 in the first round of the Carling Knockout competition last year and that could give them a fighting chance in the match.
Prediction: Pirates to win 3-1
Pirates will collect 12 points from a possible 15.
THE AMAKHOSI'S LAST DUELS
Kaizer Chiefs (30 points) have two matches remaining in their league season and they are currently missing out on the Top 8 only on goal difference.
Sekhukhune United vs Kaizer Chiefs
Amakhosi will next face Sekhukhune United and their timely cup win could not have come at a better time, as it can spur them on to a strong finish in their chase for the top eight.
Their biggest challenge will be backing up their recent cup win with a strong performance against a tough Sekhukhune side. Chiefs will face them this Saturday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, a venue where they have plenty of support, with kickoff set for 15:30.
Babina Noko are currently on the hunt for a place in the top three and hold a one-point advantage over Stellenbosch FC and they will not be an easy side to overcome.
Prediction: A 1-1 Draw
Kaizer Chiefs vs Polokwane City
This could be a potential knockout match for both sides in their ambitions to be part of the MTN8 competition next season.
Three points separate them without a lot in it in terms of goal difference and with Chiefs playing in front of their faithful at the FNB Stadium, they could be in with a chance to close off the campaign on a high.
Rise and Shine walked away with a 2-0 win the last time the two sides met but they have since lost some of their form at the most crucial time in the season.
Prediction: Chiefs to win 2-1
Chiefs will collect four points from a possible six in their remaining two matches.