DStv Premiership Preview: TS Galaxy
29 April, 2023
Orlando Pirates have another away fixture this weekend as they travel to Mbombela for a DStv Premiership clash against TS Galaxy on Sunday.
The finish line is on the horizon in what has been a grueling campaign, with four crucial league games remaining for Jose Riveiro’s side.
Form Guide
They travel to Mbombela Stadium amid a spell of excellent results, with their home win against Cape Town City making it five league victories on the trot, by far the most by any club in the Premiership over the same period.
Having netted 11 goals and conceded just twice in their last five games, the Buccaneers will look to continue much in the same vein in their bid to reclaim second spot in the standings as they currently occupy third, just a single point behind SuperSport United.
Standing between the Soweto Giants and a sixth straight victory is a Galaxy outfit looking to escape the bottom half of the table, where the threat of relegation continues to loom despite being placed at a relatively high 11th place.
The Mpumalanga-based outfit has collected five points in as many of their most recent league fixtures, courtesy of a single win and two draws.
They are winless in their last three, and will look to do one better than their previous result, where they salvaged a point at home to Royal AM.
Team News
The Buccaneers have been boosted by the return of key defender Tapelo Xoki, who has resumed training after missing the game against City, along with the likes of Bandile Shandu and Vincent Pule, who could both be considered for selection on Sunday.
Midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch meanwhile continues to be assessed after picking up a knock prior to last weekend’s fixture and is working hard to regain full fitness ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
The Rockets, on the other hand, have close to a full squad to call upon, having recently welcomed goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi back from a lengthy spell on the sideline, while striker Djakaridja Traore is again eligible for selection after serving a one-match ban for accumulating four yellow cards in the season.
Key Players
Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates): The veteran midfielder has been one of the most consistent performers in the Bucs camp, and has mastered the often unseen work in the heart of the midfield. Fresh off a Man of the Match performance in his last outing, Monare will again be key for the Soweto Giants in yet another fixture where his impressive work rate could play a critical role.
Djakaridja Traore (TS Galaxy): The Ivorian forward has been one of the standout players for the Rockets, with goals in all but one of the club’s victories in the ongoing season. Traore’s imposing frame makes him the perfect target man, while his deceptively quick feet and ability to conjure up opportunities for himself and his teammates have made him a tricky prospect for many a defensive unit.
Head-to-Head
Pirates could complete a league double over Galaxy on Sunday, following their 2-0 victory at Orlando Stadium earlier in the season.
Still in the early stages of this particular rivalry, there has been nothing to choose between the two teams in their five league fixtures with each side boasting two wins, while their first-ever encounter ended in a stalemate.
A total of nine goals have been scored so far in this fixture, with the Buccaneers slightly edging it with five goals.
How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy
The game kicks off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. You can also follow the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms, as well as the Club’s official app.
