DStv Premiership Preview: Chippa United
13 August, 2022
Orlando Pirates return home for their next assignment as they gear up to host Chippa United in a DStv Premiership fixture taking place at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
It’s the third game in the space of just over a week for both sides, with the new season in full swing early on.
Form Guide
The Buccaneers are back from a tough midweek outing where they collected a vital away point against Stellenbosch, courtesy of an intensely-contested 1-1 draw.
The result has placed them in fourth place in the league standings as one of a total of five sides tied on four points after the opening two fixtures of the campaign, having started the season off with victory at home to Swallows.
With home ground advantage on their side once again, they will be in search of maximum points against a side reeling from a heavy defeat in their last outing.
The Chilli Boys were soundly beaten at home by Royal AM and are still yet to register a victory this season, after kicking things off with a stalemate away to SuperSport United.
With just a single point earned so far, they will be desperate to string together some victories to avoid another relegation scare, following a nervy finish to the previous campaign where they rallied late to cling on to their top-flight status.
Team News
With fixtures coming thick and fast, several Bucs players got their first few minutes of the season on Wednesday, with midfielder Miguel Timm making his debut for the Club, while Vincent Pule featured in his first league game since last October.
Both players will be in the running for longer minutes on the park on the weekend, while several other stars such as Kwame Peprah will be looking to run out for the first time this season.
It’s a similar case for the Chilli Boys, who handed debuts to the likes of Khanyisile Mayo in midweek and could hand out more starts, having been among the busier Clubs in the transfer market.
The visitors however look set to continue without winger Jemondre Dickens, who is still recovering from a long-term knee injury.
Key Players
Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates): With another intense midfield battle expected on Sunday, the 22-year-old will again be a key cog in the Buccaneers’ engine room. Mosele has quickly established himself as a vital piece of the Bucs’ puzzle through his ability to spark attacks from deep, while also embracing the defensive responsibilities that come with operating in the centre of the park.
Ronald Pfumbidzai (Chippa United): Among the host of new signings at Chippa is the Zimbabwean international, who adds some much-needed DStv Premiership experience in the side’s youthful squad. The former Bloem Celtic man has already made an impact at his new Club, netting their first goal of the season.
Head-to-Head
Pirates have so far met Chippa 18 times in the Premiership, winning the vast majority of their encounters.
Since first locking horns with the Eastern Cape-based outfit, the Buccaneers have registered 13 wins, ending up on the losing side just three times while scoring 30 goals and conceding 13.
The two draws between these two sides includes the Chilli Boys’ most recent visit to Orlando Stadium, where neither side could find the net, the second such instance since their first League encounter back in 2012.
How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs Chippa United
Kick-off is at 15:00, with the game broadcast live on SuperSport PSL (Channel 202). Tickets are available at Computicket outlets nationwide.
Orlando Pirates will also be providing live updates across the Club’s social media platforms.
