DStv Premiership Preview: Golden Arrows

17 October, 2022

Orlando Pirates gear up for some midweek league action as they travel to KwaMashu for a DStv Premiership clash against Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.

It’s the first of two consecutive games on the road for the Buccaneers, who will be running onto the field twice this week, while Arrows enjoy another outing on their home turf, where they have played each of their October fixtures.

Form Guide 

Both sides head into the fixture having collected a single point apiece in their most recent outings, which took place on Friday night.

The Buccaneers were at home to AmaZulu, and came back from a goal behind to level matters on the stroke of halftime but were unable to edge ahead, despite a dominant second half performance.

That was their second consecutive league draw, and the point earned in the encounter could not move them up from fifth place in the standings.

It has been a period of slim pickings for the Buccaneers, who have won just one of their last five league fixtures, drawing three and losing once.

Also coming into Tuesday’s game on the back of consecutive stalemates is Abafana Bes’thende, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Cape Town City on Friday.

The men from the coast currently reside in eighth on the league table with two wins earned in their five most recent fixtures, where they have also drawn two and lost one.

Team News 

Pirates will be able to call upon wing-back Thabiso Monyane, who is eligible to play on Tuesday after serving out his two-match suspension. His return comes amid doubts over the fitness of Bandile Shandu, who limped off in the first half against AmaZulu.

Another player to be assessed after having to be withdrawn early during Friday’s outing is goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who was replaced by Siyabonga Mpontshane in the second half.

Arrows also have injury concerns of their own, with defender Ntsikelelo Nxadi doubtful for the clash after being sidelined by an injury picked up during a 1-1 draw at home to Stellenbosch earlier in the month.

Key Players

Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates): The attacking midfielder has had to bide his time before getting an opportunity in Bucs colours, and has fit seamlessly within Coach José Riveiro’s system. Saleng has proven to be an asset on attack, bringing a dynamic edge to the team which has seen him enjoy a consistent run in the starting lineup.

Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows): Mmodi has been one of the key players in the Arrows setup for a few seasons now and based on his output in the early stages of the ongoing campaign, he appears well on his way to another stellar showing. The 29-year-old has mainly operated in the channel behind the centre-forward, scoring in each of his side’s league victories to bring his tally up to four so far.

Head-to-Head 

The two sets of fans will be hoping for goals this time around, following a pair of goalless stalemates the last two times these sides met.

It is not a fixture where goals have flowed in recent times, with just two scored in its last six instalments - both coming as the Buccaneers suffered a shock 2-0 defeat in the 2020/21 season. 

The Soweto Giants are however the dominant side in terms of overall head-to-head results, winning half of their last 34 games against KwaZulu-Natal based outfit and only suffering six defeats, with 42 goals scored and 24 conceded.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows 

The game kicks off at 19:30 and will be broadcast live on Supersport PSL. Live updates will also be provided on Orlando Pirates’ social media. 

Tickets for the game are available online at Ticketpro outlets across the country.




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