Chippa United must be shaking in their boots at the thought of meeting red-hot Orlando Pirates at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday night.
After opening the season with a timid 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC, the Buccaneers picked themselves up in style and bounced back with some incredible performances.
They have scored nine goals in two matches, after they nailed Royal AM 4-2 before walloping Sekhukhune United 5-0 in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
Since returning from their off-season camp in Spain, the Buccaneers have sent a strong warning to other teams, showing intention to give defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns a run for their money this season.
With three points claimed so far from two league matches, Pirates will be gunning for an away victory as they look to climb up from sixth place on the log.
Standing between them and victory are the undefeated Morgan Mammila boys, who have proven to be very tricky in their home ground.
They have played two consecutive draws and will be looking to collect maximum points on Tuesday evening. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
The Chilli Boys will not only be looking to add to their goal column for the first time this season, but will eye maximum points that could potentially remove them from the bottom half of the table.
According to Pirates website, the Soweto giants could welcome a few players back from injury.
Midfielder Katlego Otladisa overcame a minor knock and was an unused substitute against Sekhukhune on Saturday, while Miguel Timm is among those nearing full fitness after returning to training alongside Kabelo Dlamini and Vincent Pule.
Two key players to watch on Tuesday evening will be Pirates’ stocky midfield workhorse Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Zuko Mdunyelwa for the Gqeberha-based side.
Having started in all three of Pirates’ fixtures this season, Ndlondlo has repaid the faith shown in him with some outstanding performances.
The 28-year-old will be high in confidence after he opened his account with a superbly taken goal over the weekend. That on top of two league assists he delivered midweek.
Mdunyelwa, the young defender, has seamlessly stepped up to the plate since joining the Chilli Boys two years ago, and has quickly become a regular starter for the club.
He provides safety in his channel through a fearless approach to defending, while also offering an extra outlet on attack.
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