Juggling the CAF Champions League and the domestic Betway Premiership means that Orlando Pirates are now faced with the arduous task of playing catch up with the rest of the teams as the PSL league race gains momentum.
Pirates and Durban City will cross swords tonight at the Orlando Stadium at 7:30pm after the two teams fell behind in their league schedule due to their engagements in CAF continental competitions.
The race to catch the pacemakers
The two teams have played three fewer matches than log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have opened a seven-point gap at the top of the PSL table. Masandawana have played eight rounds of matches, with both the Buccaneers and City still on five rounds.
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The fixture backlog is caused by Pirates’ campaign in the CAF Champions League after they were involved in the first preliminary rounds against Mauritius club La Cure Waves in the past two weeks. City were also exchanging sweat with Burundi’s Rukinzo FC, also in the first round, but in the CAF Confederation Cup prelims.
Familiar foes meet under the lights
So, league points are at stake with a bit of ground to cover early in the league race. Against City, Pirates’ focus shifts to a familiar foe, with the two sides locking horns for the second time this season. Fireworks have been a familiar feature whenever the two sides have met, and their rare Thursday night encounter could deliver another entertaining spectacle.
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Pirates remain one of three unbeaten teams this season, having only dropped points through a stalemate away to AmaZulu in mid-August. They have taken all nine available points since then, taking their overall tally to 13 points in five matches with an impressive 12 goals scored and just one conceded.
Tactical focus and respecting the opposition
Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has mentioned that they’re respecting every game and that they are not taking any games lightly.
Speaking ahead of the match, midfielder Kyle Jurgens says the team is looking forward to the showdown in Johannesburg.
“We’re looking forward to the game. It’s another important fixture for us, and after the last match, we’ve had to quickly shift our focus and prepare ourselves for what’s ahead. We know what we need to do and now it’s about taking that preparation onto the pitch.”
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Building momentum from continental success
Jurgens also got on the scoresheet in Burundi, opening the scoring inside the first minute as City went on to secure a 2–1 victory over Rukinzo. The midfielder believes the recent results have given the squad confidence as the team continues to build its campaign.
“I think the group is in a good place at the moment. We’ve had some positive results and there’s confidence within the team, but we also know that every game is a new challenge. We have to keep that focus and continue working for each other,” he added.
- Orlando Pirates and Durban City are playing catch up in the PSL after playing fewer matches due to their CAF continental commitments.
- Mamelodi Sundowns lead the PSL table with eight rounds played and a seven-point gap ahead of Pirates and Durban City, who have played five rounds each.
- Pirates participated in the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds against La Cure Waves, while Durban City competed in the CAF Confederation Cup prelims against Rukinzo FC.
- Orlando Pirates remain unbeaten in the PSL this season, having earned 13 points from five matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding only one.
- Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and midfielder Kyle Jurgens emphasized the importance of respecting every game and maintaining focus after recent positive results in continental competitions.
