Orlando Pirateswill conclude their 2024/25 season with a return to Orlando Stadium where they host Betway Premiership newcomers Magesi FC on Wednesday evening.
On the final match day of an eventful campaign, the Soweto giants make one last appearance in front of the Bucs faithful as they take on the Limpopo outfit, who stand between them and a strong finish.
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Form guide
Orlando Pirates will be looking to close things off with their 20th league win after falling short in their quest to reach that mark over the weekend.
They came from a goal down to clinch a point against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium, taking their season tally to 60 points.
While unbeaten in their last six matches, they have dropped four points through stalemates in recent weeks. This run includes their first league draw in Soweto which restricted their home points tally to 31 in 13 matches.
The Buccaneers remain one of this season’s best performers at homee, second only to Mamelodi Sundowns in this regard having emerged victorious against 10 of their visitors, while the next best team finished with seven wins.
They have one more chance to delight their home fans as they gear up to host Dikwena tša Meetse, who have recently confirmed their spot in the top flight for another season.
Magesi’s point at home to Marumo Gallants last Saturday eliminated the threat of relegation heading into the final match day.
They solidified their spot in 13th place, four points clear of 15th place SuperSport United who still have a game to complete.
That is one season objective achieved by the top flight newcomers, who could finish even higher up the table with a good result against the Buccaneers.
However, they will need to overturn their away form in order to do so.
Owen Da Gama’s men have been among the worst performers on the road this season, with just nine out of a possible 36 points collected.
Their last away win was against provincial rivals Polokwane City four months ago, and they arrive in Soweto having lost each of their last four games as visitors.
It’s the longest ongoing away losing streak in the league, but Magesi’s giant-killing pedigree has been on full display throughout their debut campaign.
They boast big scalps such as Stellenbosch and TS Galaxy – who both finished in the top eight – and have their sights firmly set on their biggest one yet as they close out the season against the Soweto giants.
Team news
Bucs right-back Bandile Shandu is back to contest a spot in the match-day squad, following his absence over the weekend.
The 30-year-old was unavailable for the trip to his home province due to a caution picked up days earlier – his fourth of the season – which breached the suspension threshold.
He returns to bolster the squad, which could still be missing a few key names for the fixture.
Striker Evidence Makgopa is among the doubtful starters along with midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula.
In defence, Orlando Pirates could be without Mbekezeli Mbokazi who was withdrawn early against Usuthu, following a knock suffered 18 minutes into the weekend’s encounter.
The visitors have meanwhile been dealt a blow through the absence of striker Wonderboy Makhubu, whose return from a long-term injury has been short-lived.
The Magesi marksman received a yellow card when he made a cameo against Marumo Gallants.
He is suspended alongside defender John Mokone, who also picked up his fourth caution for the season in the same fixture.
Key players
Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates):Entrusted with the armband through much of the latter half of the campaign, Sibisi has repaid the faith shown in him with consistent performances. The centre-back’s positioning and willingness to put his body on the line has been key in keeping goals conceded to a minimum, contributing to the Buccaneers’ impressive defensive record in the Premiership.
Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi): The Zimbabwean shot-stopper has led Magesi admirably throughout the season, reaching double figures in terms of league clean sheets this season. His shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box will be key once more and could be the difference on the night.
Head-to-head
Wednesday night’s fixture is only the third competitive encounter between these two sides, who first crossed paths earlier in the season.
The Buccaneers were victorious in their only league encounter when they held on to claim a 1-0 win at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, following Relebohile Mofokeng’s wonderstrike on the stroke of half-time.
Magesi also boast an away win against Orlando Pirates, albeit in a cup fixture. It was at Orlando Stadium where the Limpopo outfit stunned the Soweto giants, beating them 3-2 in the opening round of this season’s Carling Knockout.
TV coverage and ticket info
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.
Prediction
Orlando Pirates 2-1 Magesi FC
Betway Premiership standings ahead of kick-off
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