Orlando Pirates Reserves resume their DStv Diski Challenge campaign with a trip to Tsakane Stadium where they will take on Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday afternoon.
It’s a top-of-the-table clash that serves as a fitting show-stopper as the Reserve League takes centre stage for the first time in the new year.
Form Guide
After winning an equal number of matches after 12 games apiece, only a single point separates the two sides on Match Day 13, with the young Brazilians currently leading the pack.
The gap at the top of the standings narrowed on the last weekend before the festive season break when the Tshwane outfit fell on the wrong side of a 4-0 scoreline on their visit to Chippa United.
It was their first defeat of the season, restricting their points tally in their last five outings to 10 points, courtesy of three wins and a draw.
While their rivals stumbled, the Bucs Reserves gained valuable ground in their title chase as won 3-1 at home to Cape Town Spurs.
The result signalled a return to winning ways after losing their previous fixture against SuperSport United, which ended a three-match winning streak.
Four wins in their last five matches have netted the young Buccaneers a solid 12 points, and a further three on Sunday should see them finishing the first Game Week of 2024 at the summit of the table.
Head-to-Head
In their most recent encounter, these two sides served up a thriller where Mohau Nkota’s injury-time winner sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for Pirates, who had trailed at halftime before Mehluleli Maphumulo sparked the comeback with his second-half equaliser.
The reverse fixture had gone Sundowns’ way, following a late surge that saw them scoring twice in the game’s final 15 minutes to claim a 4-2 win.
Each of the last five instalments of this fixture has produced a winner, with the Tshwane outfit pipping their Soweto counterparts with three victories to two.
How to Watch Orlando Pirates Reserves vs Mamelodi Sundowns Reserves
The game is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on Variety 4. You can also follow the action by following live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms, including the Club’s official mobile app.
Entry at the match venue is free.
