Orlando Pirates return to midweek league action as they face Golden Arrows on Wednesday, 19 February.
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The game will take place at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, where the Buccaneers will look to make important strides in the Betway Premiership.
After a brief home return to Orlando Stadium, the team will hit the road again for this crucial match against Golden Arrows. The result could be a vital boost as they approach the halfway point of their league campaign.
Form Overview
Orlando Pirates are coming off a 3-1 victory over Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup, securing their spot in the quarter-finals for a third consecutive season.
However, their focus has now shifted back to league matters after falling nine points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their 1-0 loss to Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld increased the gap, but a slip-up by their rivals has given Pirates a lifeline.
Currently sitting second with two games in hand, the Buccaneers now have a chance to reduce the deficit. However, their recent away form is concerning, having suffered two defeats in their last three league games on the road. Their sole away win in this run came in a midweek clash against Sekhukhune United.
Golden Arrows, on the other hand, are struggling to find form, having gone winless in their last three matches, picking up just one point. Their last victory came in a 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs, and since then, they’ve only managed two points, dropping to 10th place.
Arrows’ home form has been equally disappointing, with no wins since early December, having earned just two points from their last three matches at home.
Team News
Orlando Pirates will be without midfielder Kabelo Dlamini, who is suspended due to accumulating four yellow cards this season.
Golden Arrows have no suspension concerns but may face an injury worry with attacking midfielder Angelo van Rooi, who was stretchered off during their match against Cape Town City.
Key Players
- Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates): The 26-year-old midfielder has been instrumental in Pirates’ attack, registering two assists in their recent match. With eight goal contributions this season, he’ll be crucial to Pirates’ success against Arrows.
- Velemseni Ndwandwe (Golden Arrows): Ndwandwe, a regular in the starting lineup, is key in both defense and attack for Arrows. Despite being originally a forward, he has contributed significantly to the team’s offensive play.
Head-to-Head
Orlando Pirates have dominated recent matchups against Golden Arrows, winning the last four encounters and scoring 14 goals in the process. In their last meeting, the Buccaneers thrashed Arrows 7-1, extending their unbeaten streak in this fixture to six matches. The KZN side’s last victory came four years ago, when they defeated Pirates 2-0 at home.
Historically, Orlando Pirates have enjoyed a strong record at Golden Arrows, winning 9 of their last 19 meetings on the road. While they have had a few slip-ups, Pirates have claimed victory in 21 of the 38 encounters over the past two decades.
TV Coverage and Ticket Info
The match kicks off at 19:30, with live coverage available on SuperSport PSL.
Tickets can be purchased online through TicketPro and at various outlets nationwide.
Prediction
Golden Arrows 1-2 Orlando Pirates
Teams
Golden Arrows – TBA
Orlando Pirates – TBA
Betway Premiership Standings
(Updated prior to kickoff)
