DStv Premiership Preview: Golden Arrows

13 January, 2023

Orlando Pirates return home for their next DStv Premiership fixture, as they take on Golden Arrows this Saturday.

It’s the Buccaneers’ first appearance at the iconic Orlando Stadium since the return of domestic football, while their opponents hit the road for the first time since October.

Form Guide

Life on the road has not been kind to the Soweto Giants in recent weeks, with no points recorded in their last two assignments.

A defeat in Cape Town this past weekend saw them slide from fifth to eighth place in the standings, making it three straight losses in the league with four points provided in their last five games provided by a single win and a draw.

A return to familiar territory presents an opportunity for Pirates to turn their fortunes around, and they will have to do so against a side that has recently entered the top half of the standings, courtesy of a hard-fought home victory in their last outing.

Arrows have fared slightly better than the Buccaneers in their last five games, winning twice while suffering three defeats.

The two sides make up half of the four teams currently tied on 19 points, with three boasting an equal goal difference halfway through the campaign.

Team News 

Pirates are still without several key players ruled out through injury but have been boosted by the imminent return of fullback Tebogo Tlolane, who is recovering from a niggle that has resulted in weeks on the sidelines.

They will however be sweating over the availability of Thabiso Monyane after the player missed the trip to Cape Town, following a knock picked up at training.

Meanwhile, Arrows will be without midfielder Siyabonga Khumalo who is completing a two-match ban after being given his marching orders during his side’s defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in December.

Key Players 

Miguel Timm (Orlando Pirates): Timm has been crucial in winning possession and advancing the ball for the Bucs, and will be key in pushing the team forward from the middle of the park. The midfielder’s consistency throughout the season has been admirable, making him an ever-present feature in the lineup.

Nduduzo Sibiya (Golden Arrows): The attacking midfielder will be full of confidence after inspiring his side to victory in their previous fixture, and will look to continue in the same vein against the Buccaneers. Sibiya’s versatility has been a key factor for Arrows this season, as he is capable of operating on either wing as well as the slot behind the centre-forward.

Head-to-Head 

Pirates could complete a league double over Arrows, should they emerge on the winning side on Saturday, following their 2-0 victory on the road back in October. 

The outcome of that particular fixture made it a win apiece for each side in the last seven encounters, with the remaining five league fixtures all finishing goalless.

It is the Buccaneers who enjoy an overwhelming upper hand in terms of overall results in this fixture, boasting 18 wins out of the last 35 encounters while only losing six times.

Unsurprisingly, the Soweto Giants also have a considerable lead in the goal-scoring stakes, breaching the Durban outfit’s defence 44 times since 2005, while conceding 24 goals.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows 

The game kicks off at 15:30 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 and selected retail outlets, as well as at the Orlando East Community Hall on match day four hours before kick-off