Pirates Head to Mbombela to Face Debutants Kruger United
The Betway Premiership leaders travel to Mpumalanga days after reaching the MTN8 final, against a side still chasing a first top-flight win.
The Fixture at Mbombela Stadium
Orlando Pirates, the South African club known as the Buccaneers, travel to Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga for a Betway Premiership match against newly promoted Kruger United on Tuesday night.
The Betway Premiership is South Africa's top division, run by the Premier Soccer League. Pirates go into the game as defending champions and current log leaders on 10 points from four unbeaten matches, level with last season's runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns.
Goal.com reports that the two clubs have never played each other before. Kruger United did not exist until 2023 and are in their first season in the PSL.
Form on Both Sides
Pirates arrive after a busy week at home. They reached the final of the MTN8 cup competition with a 3-0 win over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena, completing a 4-0 aggregate win in the semifinal, and beat the same Limpopo side in midweek league action.
Their own club site says the defence has yet to concede a goal from open play in the league this season. The only goal against them came from a penalty in one of two away fixtures, from which they took four points, and they have scored eight goals, joint second in the division.
Kruger United have taken one point from four matches, a goalless draw with Marumo Gallants, and sit 16th. They have lost to Kaizer Chiefs, Milford and Durban City, scoring two goals and conceding seven, and are still without a point at home.
Squad News and Line-Ups
Goal.com reports that Kruger United have no injury or suspension concerns. Their coach, Abram Mongoya, said: "I believe we stand a good chance to grow and develop in the next couple of games, although the fixtures don't get any easier."
Pirates coach Abedslam Ouaddou has to weigh the workload of a squad that has played three matches against Sekhukhune United in the last 10 days. Patrick Maswanganyi has left for Bahrain Premier League club Alkhaldiya Sports Club and is no longer available.
Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha have long term injuries, while Sihle Nduli has recovered from a knock picked up at AmaZulu in mid-August. Goal.com lists a possible Pirates side of Chaine, Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto, Makhaula, Mokobodi, Appollis, Lungu, Masilela and Radiopane, and a Kruger United side of Dandjinou, Malatjie, Sibiya, Mohamme, Seedat, Mphothe, Nel, Makhubela, Matima, Ndlovu and Zwane. Neither source gives a kick-off time or broadcast details.
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