Head coach Rudolf Krol and his charges face a big task in their bid to get back to winning ways when the Mighty Buccaneers welcome Bloemfontein Celtic at the Orlando stadium on Sunday.

There is no doubt the team will be hoping to regain their winning form at the expense of Celtic after they have gone seven games without a single victory. Bucs’ recent poor run of three draws and three defeats in the month of October, and the 1-all draw with Maritzburg United in the last league match has seen the club drop from first place on the log table to sixth, just one place behind this week’s opponents.

Pirates have only accumulated two points out of a possible fifteen in their last five meetings, scoring only twice and conceding seven goals, while Celtic have gone unbeaten in their last three league games, managing to earn five points, scoring six and conceding four goals in the process.

The game will also see Orlando Pirates old-boys Thembile Kanono, Tlou Segolela and Excellent Walaza coming together to face their former team-mates, albeit the Segolela and Walaza will return to the club after their loan spells at the club.

The player’s have been doing well since moving to Siwelele, particularly Segolela who has been given a leading role in Owen Da Gama’s side. Segolela – a product of the Orlando Pirates development has been in inspiring form for his side, having scored two goals and made four assists in seven appearances. While Walaza has featured four times, scoring only once for Siwelele.

Current Statistics (2009/09 season)

Pirates

04/11/09 H Maritzburg D 1-1
31/10/09 A Chiefs D 0-0
28/10/09 A Amazulu L 2-1

Celtic

04/11/09 A Arrows D 1-1
01/11/09 H MP Black Aces W 2-0
28/10/09 H Jomo Cosmos D 3-3

Head to Head (2008/09 Season)

Last season the Buccaneers managed to collect four points against Celtic in the league, winning 3-0 in the corresponding fixture and drawing 1-1 in the reverse fixture.

Overall History (League matches only)

There is quite an extensive history between these two clubs since 1985, with Bucs winning the majority of the clashes between the two sides.

Games Played: 42

Pirates Wins:24

Celtic Wins:8

Draws: 10