DStv Premiership Preview: Royal AM
2 May, 2023
Orlando Pirates are at home for a rare Wednesday afternoon fixture at Orlando Stadium, where they host Royal AM in a DStv Premiership encounter.
Well inside the final stretch of the ongoing season, the Buccaneers have emerged as contenders for the remaining CAF Champions League spot, while the Thwihli Thwahla look to return to the top half of the table.
Form Guide
The hosts head into the fixture having collected their sixth straight league win after beating TS Galaxy 2-1 in Mbombela on Sunday.
The victory brought them up to second place in the standings, and they now have the opportunity to widen the gap between themselves and the rest of the chasing pack to five points with just two league fixtures left to play.
With 16 goals scored and just five conceded in their last eight games across competitions, the Buccaneers will look to channel more of the same at home to a Royal AM side boasting a single point in their last three matches on the road.
Thwihli Thwahla were on the losing side in their last outing, a 2-1 defeat at home to Cape Town City, and will be on a mission to return to winning ways on their visit to Soweto.
They have managed a single win in their last five games, with a total of four points, having drawn two and won once.
Team News
The hosts will be without midfielders, Miguel Timm and Kabelo Dlamini, who have each picked up enough yellows throughout the season to trigger a one-match suspension.
The two players’ absence means a possible start for the likes of Makhehleni Makhaula and Fortune Makaringe after the two players made cameo appearances in Mbombela.
Royal AM will also have to do without a key player of their own in Siphesihle Msomi, who picked up his fourth yellow against City.
Key Players
Paseka Mako (Orlando Pirates): The Bucs fullback continues to churn out energetic displays on the flanks, covering the wide areas defensively while also providing an extra dimension on attack. Having mainly operated on the left throughout his career, Mako has been deployed in various positions this season, producing top performances at right back as well as the midfield when called upon.
Domingues (Royal AM): The veteran attacking midfielder has enjoyed a revival in the colours of Royal AM, with some age-defying performances in recent weeks. The 39-year-old was on the scoresheet in each of the two games leading up to the defeat against City, where he provided an assist, and will be keen to continue in the same vein against the Buccaneers.
Head-to-Head
The Buccaneers have the opportunity to go three-in-three this season against Thwihli Thwahla, having met them twice already in the opening half of the campaign.
A 1-0 win in the reverse league fixture gave the Soweto Giants their first win against the KwaZulu-Natal based outfit in their third attempt, before they went on claim victory once more in the MTN 8 quarterfinals.
Overall, Pirates remain unbeaten against Royal AM in four matches across competitions, winning two games and drawing twice.
How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs Royal AM
The game is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on Supersport PSL. You can also keep an eye the action by following live updates posted on all of Orlando Pirates social media platforms, as well as the Club’s official app.
Tickets are still available online at TicketPro and selected retail outlets, as well as at the Orlando East Community Hall four hours before kick-off.
