Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a demanding week as they hit the road for a match against Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
The match will kick off at 19:30, marking the beginning of a busy few days for the Soweto giants.
Challenging Week Ahead for Orlando Pirates
The Pirates have been on a tough schedule lately, and this week presents no respite.
They are facing two crucial matches against top-four opposition in just a few days, starting with this midweek encounter in Polokwane.
But their busy calendar doesn’t end there—on Saturday, February 8 at 15:30, they will clash with Mamelodi Sundowns in a top-of-the-table battle.
Recent Form and Team Performance
Wednesday’s match comes just days after a thrilling Soweto derby where Orlando Pirates triumphed over their fierce rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, at FNB Stadium.
The win not only earned them three valuable points but also allowed them to maintain their second-place position in the league standings.
It was their fourth win in as many matches across all competitions, signaling a strong return to form after a narrow loss in their previous league game.
Now, the Pirates will look to build on that momentum and secure another three points against Sekhukhune United.
However, with the six-point gap between them and current log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, every point is crucial.
Sekhukhune United’s Home Form
Sekhukhune United, sitting in fourth place with 24 points after 14 matches, have been impressive at home.
Out of seven home games, they’ve managed to secure 16 points, including seven wins and three draws.
However, they are coming off two consecutive winless games, with a loss to Kaizer Chiefs and a draw with Stellenbosch FC.
Team News and Injuries
Sekhukhune United will be without two key players for this match.
Midfielder Relebogile Mokhuoane is serving a one-match suspension after accumulating four yellow cards, while his midfield partner, Siphesihle Mkhize, is also unavailable due to a red card in the previous match.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates come into this game without any new suspensions.
Some players, including Goodman Mosele and Zakhele Lepasa, are edging closer to a return, which could further bolster the squad.
Key Players to Watch
For Orlando Pirates, veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula will be pivotal.
His work rate and leadership in the midfield were crucial in the Pirates’ win against Kaizer Chiefs, where he covered a lot of ground and helped transition the team from defense to attack.
Sekhukhune United’s Keletso Makgalwa, who has been a standout performer this season, will also be a key figure.
His accurate passing and powerful right foot make him a constant threat for the opposition, and he’ll likely play a crucial role in his team’s attack.
Head-to-Head Record
This upcoming match will be the seventh encounter between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United.
So far, results have favored the home team, with Orlando Pirates being the only side to win away, having claimed a 1-0 victory during their first visit to Sekhukhune United in 2022.
Since then, they’ve lost both matches played in Polokwane but remain unbeaten at Orlando Stadium.
With both teams having scored six goals each in their previous meetings, it promises to be a closely contested match once again.
Prediction
Given the strong form of both teams, a 1-1 draw seems like a likely outcome for this match.
Both sides have shown the ability to create and score goals, but they’ll also be wary of each other’s attacking threats.
Match Information and Ticket Sales
The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 3 (Channel 208).
Tickets can be purchased online via Computicket or at selected outlets across the country.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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