Orlando Pirates are chasing their second win in a week over AmaZulu in all competitions when they meet in the DStv Premiership on Saturday. The clash comes on the Nedbank Cup meeting last weekend where Pirates claimed the spoils via a 4-2 win at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Heading to this league encounter, the visitors seek revenge and will go all out to fight for the maximum points. For the hosts, Pirates will look to continue with their dominance over the Durban-based side.
The Buccaneers are enjoying a fine run so far when looking at their previous three results. The Soweto giants are unbeaten in three games as they have two victories and a single draw in all competitions.
Pirates vs AmaZulu Match Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
- Time: 5:30 PM SAST
- Venue: Orlando Stadium, Soweto
Pirates: The side coached by Jose Riveiro seeks to maintain their momentum. Pirates are flying high as they have three matches without a defeat. They beat Golden Arrows 7-1, and drew 1-1 against Moroka Swallows before thumping Usuthu 4-2 last weekend in the Nedbank Cup. Sitting at number three on the log table with 37 points from 23 games, Pirates are still chasing a second-place finish to return to the CAF Champions League.
AmaZulu: The KZN outfit headed to the Ke Yona clash in high spirits after beating Cape Town City in the league. However, the 4-2 drubbing by Pirates has left a bitter pill to swallow in coach Pablo Franco Martin who was unhappy with the referees. Having failed to beat Pirates since the 2013/14 season, the Durban-based outfit is under pressure to overturn their fortunes.
Pirates vs AmaZulu Key Battles To Watch:
Ben Motshwari vs Miguel Timm: The two midfielders are familiar with each other’s qualities and whenever they meet, sparks always fly high. Motshwari is a former Pirates midfielder and will be gunning to stop Pirates’ dominance over his side. Meanwhile, Timm will target another win over their counterparts who are desperately seeking redemption.
Pule Ekstein vs Patrick Maswanganyi: Ekstein has revived his ailing career at Usuthu and his mission is to continue dishing out impressive displays. The former Kaizer Chiefs fan darling was on the scoresheet last weekend. For the rising star in the name of Mswanganyi, Tito also scored for the reigning Nedbank Cup champions. Under Riveiro, he has been given a free role to neutralise and intimidate the opposition.
Pirates vs AmaZulu Head to Head:
The two giants have crossed swords over 23 matches. Pirates enjoy an added advantage as they boast 11 wins compared to one of Usuthu. Meanwhile, 11 games have been drawn.
Pirates vs AmaZulu Coaches:
Jose Riveiro: An experienced cup winner with the 1995 African champions, Riveiro wants to write his history at Pirates. Boasting three gold medals in his cabinet since his arrival in 2021, Riveiro now knows how to win titles in the PSL. However, the league medal continues to evade the seasoned mentor.
Pablo Franco Martin: Meeting his Spanish countryman for the second time in a space of a week means the rivalry between the two is growing. Martin is in his debut season in the South African top flight and he was hoping to lead Usuthu to cup glory last weekend. Having failed to win last weekend, Martin will cheer up his troops to give it their best in Soweto.
Bucs vs Usuthu What The Teams Said:
Jose Riveiro: “For me, offensive football has a strong relationship with confidence and that’s the key right now. For multiple reasons, we are in a good space with confidence, we are comfortable, we are dominating, and like I said, capitalizing (on created opportunities).
“One of the key things in this league is to score heavily and then the scenarios change. But it isn’t easy to score more than two goals if you are facing an overloaded defence, for all of us, every team in the league, and around the world.
“It’s not easy, but when you manage to force the opponent to do something other than defending, I’m not saying that was the case today (on Saturday against AmaZulu), I’m talking about the recent games, then the game is different.”
AmaZulu vs Pirates Fan Sentiments:
The fans can expect an action-packed league match packed with goals just like last weekend. But because this is a league game, both sides could be tempted to be cautious in their approach.
AmaZulu vs Pirates Prediction:
Because Pirates are enjoying an upper hand in this encounter, this one could be a draw as Pirates tend to stutter in front of their home crowds. On the other hand, one cannot rule out a win for Usuthu.
AmaZulu vs Pirates What’s Next:
Pirates will now change their focus to another KZN-based club, Royal AM whom they will visit on Sunday, April 28. Checking out Usuthu, they will welcome Chippa United on Saturday, April 27.
Related: Revealed: Why The PSL Chose Mbombela As Nedbank Cup Final Venue