Royal AM vs Pirates: Orlando Pirates are visiting Royal AM aiming to topple Stellenbosch as number two in the DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon. Pirates are flying high as they have collected three wins on the trot in all competitions and their mission is to move to the second spot.
Coach Jose Riveiro has always been calling for consistency from his men and they are picking form at the right time but are out of the race for the league honours. Fresh from two wins in the league and one in the Nedbank Cup, the Soweto giants are targeting another three points in KZN.
For the hosts coached by John Maduka, Thwihli Thwahla is also gunning for the full three points to challenge for a spot in the top eight. The KZN-based side succumbed to a 4-2 loss in Soweto in the reverse fixture and will be looking for revenge.
Royal AM vs Pirates Match Details:
- Date: April 28, 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM SAST
- Venue: Harry Gwala Stadium, Maritzburg
Royal AM: The Maritzburg-based outfit finds itself in a precarious position on the log table. They sit 12th and their mission is to win and avoid flirting with relegation. The hosts come from a draw against Golden Arrows in a KZN derby and managed to secure a 3-2 win over Polokwane City.
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Pirates: The Soweto bigshots are confident having drubbed Arrows 7-1, and beat AmaZulu 4-2 in the Ke Yona competition before a 1-0 win over Usuthu in the league last weekend. A rested Pirates could be dangerous and show hunger to finish as number two this season.
Royal AM vs Pirates Key Battles To Watch:
Thabo Matlaba vs Melusi Buthelezi: Matlaba, as a former Pirates star player, will look to unsettle his former employers. With his experience, there is no doubt he will be key in this clash. In the absence of Sipho Chaine owing to suspension, Riveiro is forced to call on Buthelezi. The 26-year-old will hope to keep a clean sheet and help the team to achieve its ambitions.
Kabelo Mahlasela vs Tshegofatso Mabasa: Mahlasela is a man of big matches and his creativity will be very important to help the hosts win this encounter. Looking at the opposite side of the park, there’s a man who is on fire and Mabasa is gunning for the PSL top goal scorer award, he will be a man to watch in the final third.
Royal AM vs Pirates Head-to-Head:
The statistics date back to Bloemfontein Celtic days before the sale to Royal. Pirates enjoy the advantage of 21 wins, and 12 draws compared to nine victories for the hosts.
Royal AM vs Pirates Coaches:
John Maduka: The 53-year-old former Celtic and Malawi international boasts loads of experience on the touchline. He has introduced a different mentality in his charges and their fighting spirit will come to the fore on Sunday. His task is also to secure a decent finish as they have seven matches to go.
Jose Riveiro: Riveiro’s mission is CAF Champions League qualification but Stellenbosch is standing in their way. Pirates have to win this tie to boost their hopes for a second finish and they rely on the Spanish manager. While he has done well in cup competitions, Riveiro is yet to be tested in the continent and must challenge for the league.
Royal AM vs Pirates What The Teams Said:
Jose Riveiro: “He [Mabasa] is one more piece in our structure, an important one right now. I am happy when the players, especially the forwards, are delivering goals.”
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“I am happier when they take responsibility in the last metres. He’s constantly offering us all the options and possibilities for the players around him… for our No 10s. He helps us to be aggressive when we press because he’s our first defender of the team when we don’t have the ball.”
“He’s also doing well because the ones who are behind him, the ones who are not playing recently, are training very well and they are putting pressure and want to play as well. In the end, only one [striker] can play but this is a team and everybody is working to make it possible.”
Royal AM vs Pirates Fan Sentiments:
The fans are divided in opinions when it comes to this tie. Despite playing away from home, Pirates fans will pack the Harry Gwala Stadium as they are confident in the squad.
Royal AM vs Pirates Prediction:
The Buccaneers, based on their current form and previous results, can be regarded as the favourites to collect six points over their hosts this season.
Royal AM vs Pirates What’s Next:
After this encounter away from home, Pirates will travel to the Mother City to meet Cape Town City on Workers Day. For Thwihli Thwahla, they have an assignment against Superport on the same day.
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