Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants renew their DStv Diski Challenge rivalry with a clash at Isak Steyl Stadium on Saturday morning.
It is another home outing for the Bucs Reserves who are looking to build a head of steam halfway through their campaign, having found themselves in unfamiliar territory in mid-table. They welcome a struggling Gallants outfit returning to the competition after a season-long absence.
Form
Ahead of the weekend’s encounter, it is the home side who will go in with a degree of confidence. This is after returning to winning ways with a 2-1 victory against Polokwane City at the same venue. That result ended a tough three-match run where they could only manage a solitary point through a stalemate against Richards Bay, which was immediately followed by defeats to fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
As a result of the recent run of form, the young Buccaneers have managed a meagre seven points in their last five matches, only winning twice in the process. There has not been much of a difference when comparing their form at home to their overall returns over an equal amount of fixtures as they also boast two victories and a stalemate with two defeats.
Despite indifferent form on all fronts, they will be regarded as odds-on favourites for this particular encounter. This is largely due to the form of the opposition, not only heading into the match, but throughout the entire campaign.
With 14 games played, Gallants remain the only team yet to taste victory in the DDC. They visit the Soweto Giants amid a torrid run of six straight defeats and have only amassed three points throughout the season.
While emerging as the whipping boys thus far, they have rarely suffered embarrassing losing margins of late, and have collected two thirds of their total points tally on the road.
Their sights will be set on breaking their duck under the win column, with victory giving them the slightest chance of avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon.
Head-to-Head
Gallants’ return to the big time means they cross paths with Pirates once more, having not done so at this level in nearly two years. Their most recent encounter finished in a resounding victory for the Soweto Giants, who recorded a 4-1 win with goals from Gomolemo Khoto, Njabulo Mndebele, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mehluleli Maphumulo. That was the Buccaneers’ second win in three clashes with Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, who were victors in the first ever encounter between the two sides.
While there is no real daylight in terms of games won in this relatively young rivalry, it is a different story when it comes to goals scored. Pirates are well-clear in that regard, having found the net 11 times in the three matches with Gallants currently sitting on three.
How to Follow Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Marumo Gallants Reserves
Kick-off is at 10:00 and the game will not be televised. Live updates will be posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.
