DStv Premiership Preview: TS Galaxy

9 September, 2022

Orlando Pirates are back home for their next assignment as they welcome TS Galaxy to Orlando Stadium in a DStv Premiership fixture on Saturday.

It’s a welcome return to the iconic venue for the Buccaneers following two consecutive weekends on the road, while the visitors gear up for their first away fixture this month.

Form Guide 

It has taken the men from Mpumalanga six games to concede a goal, and they will head to Soweto on the back of their first defeat of the season after narrowly losing to Cape Town City in their own backyard over the weekend.

The result has however also stretched their winless run to three matches, having failed to score a goal since back-to-back victories over Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.

These remain Galaxy’s only wins this season, with three draws registered in their six league outings.

The Buccaneers will be wary of their visitors’ giant-killing feats and will be keen to avoid another upset after disappointment of their out in their last outing, where a late penalty handed Maritzburg United a shock victory on Sunday.

It was the Soweto Giants’ second loss of the season, their first in their last four DStv Premiership fixtures, and saw them relinquish their hold on the summit of the table as they currently occupy fifth place in the standings. 

Since the start of the season, Pirates have emerged on the winning side three times in their seven league fixtures, losing twice and managing as many stalemates.

Team News 

Pirates will have to continue without suspended midfielder Goodman Mosele, whose two yellow cards in the cup win over Royal AM earned him a two-match ban.

The Buccaneers will also be hoping to welcome back the likes of Kabelo Dlamini and Tapelo Xoki, who are both back in training after a brief spell on the sidelines, while midfielder Vincent Pule emerged as a fresh injury worry after being stretchered early during the game against Maritzburg, and is doubtful for Saturday’s clash.

For Galaxy, the trip to Orlando Stadium could be yet another outing without defender Ebrahim Seedat, who missed his side’s last three games after picking up a knock.

Key Players 

Paseka Mako (Orlando Pirates): Possessing experience and tenacity, Mako has been one of the more consistent performers whenever he has taken to the field, with his never-say-die attitude often proving to be a thorn in the flesh of the opposition. The wing-back not only provides width to the Bucs attack, but does not shriek from his defensive duties, all of which makes him an asset on either half of the field.

Lifa Hlongwane (TS Galaxy): The midfielder is no stranger to finding the net against the Buccaneers, having scored the last time these two sides met, and will be eager to replicate that feat on Saturday. Hlongwane has displayed his knack for standing up on the big occasion already this season, with his goal against Sundowns handing his side a shock victory away from home. 

Head-to-Head 

In the brief history between these two sides, unpredictability has been the main theme, with some shock results recorded since they first locked horns in January last year, playing to a one-all draw.

The last three of the four league encounters have all produced a winner, and it is Galaxy who currently hold a slight upper hand after winning two of these fixtures, both with a 1-0 score line.

They are however yet to find any joy on their visits to Orlando Stadium, as goals from Bandile Shandu and Collins Makgaka handed Pirates a 2-0 win last December, which remains the biggest winning margin recorded so far in this fixture.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy 

The game is scheduled to kick off at 17:30, and will be live on SuperSport PSL (Channel 202). Tickets to attend the fixture are available at Computicket and Ticketmaster outlets.

You can also follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates provided on Orlando Pirates social media platform.




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