PREVIEW | Orlando Pirates take another step towards title glory

Orlando Pirates continue their hunt for Betway Premiership glory with a trip up north as they travel to take on Magesi at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night. toffler.lol

This rare late-night weekend fixture is the latest chapter in a series of must-win encounters for the Buccaneers, who face another tricky assignment on the road.

They meet a side with just as much motivation to win in a match-up involving two teams stationed at opposite ends of the table.

Survival and the hunt for glory are the main themes deep in the business end of the campaign, and neither side will be willing to give an inch in a fixture whose result holds great significance in the eventual order of the standings.

Disappointing campaign

In only their second season in the Betway Premiership, Magesi’s status as a top-flight outfit hangs in the balance following a largely disappointing campaign.

They are currently at the bottom of the table with the threat of relegation becoming increasingly real after managing just 21 points in 27 league matches.

Dikwena tša Meetse had the opportunity to allay fears of the dreaded drop when they kicked the week off in 14th place ahead of a visit from top flight newcomers Orbit College, who went into the fixture looking for a way out of the basement.

However, a 2-1 result in favour of the visitors ensured that the two sides swapped spots on the log, with the home side left facing an uphill climb in their fight to remain in the division.

While occasionally displaying their ability to spring surprises on some of their more fancied opponents, Magesi’s season has lacked consistency.

They boast just four league wins so far with more than half of their fixtures ending in defeat.

A slight glimmer of hope for the Limpopo outfit is the fact that each of their four victories has been at home, where they have also managed to snatch a point from three of their other visitors.

As they welcome the Buccaneers, Magesi will be without their goal-scorer against Orbit College in Motsie Matima who picked up his fourth caution of the season in the match, triggering a one-match suspension, while Kgothatso Mariba could be back after sitting that particular game out through injury.

Bucs Team News

Orlando Pirates’ quest for league honours meanwhile continues with their fate now entirely in their own hands, following midweek league results.

Their 2-0 win away to Stellenbosch brought them within two points of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who could only manage a point in their clash against Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld.

With the Buccaneers still possessing a game in hand, they could finish the week at the top of the standings – a position they will be aiming to retain for the remainder of the season.

This will require another assured performance on the road, something they have proven quite adept at throughout the ongoing campaign.

They journey to Polokwane having collected 30 points in their 13 away fixtures, only missing out on a maximum haul through one defeat and three stalemates.

Victory in what is their penultimate away fixture will not only further strengthen their status as the best travellers this season, but also provide a significant boost to their title hopes.

It’s a result the Soweto giants will be gunning for with the finish line looming large in a season where they have relentlessly pursued the one piece of silverware that has been elusive in recent years.

Head-to-Head

Only in its second season, this young rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Magesi has not been short of unexpected twists.

The biggest of these occurred in the very first meeting between the two sides, when the Limpopo outfit pulled off an upset to ensure an early cup exit for the Soweto giants.

They have met on two other occasions in the same season, with the Buccaneers shifting the momentum their way with an away victory before a surprise stalemate in Orlando.

The pendulum has further swung in their favour in the ongoing season following a 2-1 win in the second round of the Carling Knockout and a comfortable 2-0 home league victory earlier in the year.

With the Buccaneers visiting Dikwena tša Meetse for only the second time since their first encounter, they will be looking to establish early dominance against them on the road, as well as stretch their unbeaten run across competitions to five matches.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 and will be televised live on SuperSport PSL.

Tickets to attend the game are available online at Computicket as well as selected retail outlets nationwide.

Prediction

Magesi 0-3 Orlando Pirates

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Pep Guardiola said Manchester City must bounce back against Brentford on Saturday to put pressure back on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

City’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday handed the destiny of the title to the Gunners.

ALSO READ: Arsenal sense Premier League glory as Spurs eye safety

Arsenal are five points clear with three games to play, while City have four matches remaining.

Victory for Guardiola’s men at the Etihad against Champions League hopefuls Brentford would cut the gap at the top for at least 24 hours before Arsenal visit West Ham.

“Put pressure on Arsenal winning our games,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “That’s all we have to do. All we can do.”

City were on course for defeat at Everton until Jeremy Doku’s sensational strike with virtually the last kick of the game salvaged a point.

The Belgian scored twice at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to take his tally to four goals in his last five games and register his best goalscoring season in a City shirt with seven.

“I’m so glad,” Guardiola added on Doku’s development. “Not just the goals, the assists, also contributing defensively. Jeremy has been amazing this season.”

A seventh league title in nine seasons may prove beyond City’s men, but the club did celebrate a first Women’s Super League success for 10 years this week.

Andree Jeglertz’s side ended Chelsea’s run of six consecutive league titles.

“Today is a reality in the world of football the impact of the women’s team on society and the girls, how they enjoy to play football,” added Guardiola.

“I think it’s the biggest step world football has made in the last decade. Before it started I think you never could imagine the impact on the girls, the teenagers, that now say ‘I want to play football’.

“As much as you play a sport, it’s fantastic. And of course, a big compliment (to the City women’s team).”

Guardiola is hopeful Rodri could return from injury against Brentford, while centre-backs Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are also nearing full fitness.

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has his sights set on claiming all three points against Siwelele FC.

The Brazilians walked away with a point in their last fixture after they played out to a 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Sundowns will look to bounce back and return to winning ways when they take on Siwelele at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

The Tshwane giants come into this match sitting at the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 65 points from 28 matches, three points ahead of Orlando Pirates.

“I think we did what we had to do; we tried to play football but it’s very difficult, very difficult,” Cardoso said.

“It’s a result we need to go for in the next matches, win the matches and see what happens, that’s it.”

The post Cardoso Sights Set On Win Against Siwelele appeared first on SportsClub.

Florent Ibenge has admitted that Azam FC must improve their finishing if they are to remain competitive in the NBC Premier League title race following their painful 4-1 defeat to TRA United in Arusha.

Speaking after the match at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, Ibenge described the final stages of the league season as extremely challenging, especially in away fixtures, while insisting that his side’s biggest problem has been failing to convert the many scoring opportunities they create.

“The league is very difficult, especially these final matches of the season, but we have been creating many chances and failing to use them,” said Ibenge after the heavy defeat.

Azam FC started the game brightly and took an early lead through Japhte Kitambala, but defensive lapses and missed opportunities allowed TRA United to fight back and secure a dominant victory in front of their home supporters.

Despite the disappointing result, Ibenge maintained that his players are still producing positive attacking football, although the lack of efficiency in front of goal is costing the team important points at a crucial stage of the campaign.

The Congolese tactician explained that improving composure and decision making inside the penalty area has now become one of the team’s major priorities as they prepare for upcoming away fixtures.

“When we go away from home, we must work on that. We need victories to continue chasing Simba and Yanga,” he said.

“You know when you play against a team at their home ground, they always have a greater chance because of experience and familiarity with the pitch.”

Ibenge Calls for Defensive Improvement

Ibenge also turned his attention to his team’s defensive performance, stressing the importance of reducing costly mistakes that have recently punished the side in key moments.

TRA United punished Azam FC’s defensive weaknesses throughout the encounter, with Amy Mapaka scoring twice from headers before Ramadhan Chobwedo sealed the victory with a stunning free kick in the second half.

Although frustrated by the outcome, Ibenge praised some of his players for their fighting spirit and commitment during the match, while insisting the team must quickly regroup and correct their mistakes ahead of the next fixtures.

The defeat leaves Azam FC third in the NBC Premier League standings with 43 points from 22 matches as they continue chasing rivals Simba and Young Africans in the title race.

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