DStv Prem Preview: AmaZulu

Orlando Pirates make one last voyage in the 2022/23 DStv Premiership campaign as they visit AmaZulu for their final league fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

A lot remains at stake for the Buccaneers, who head into the season finale win still in a two-way battle with SuperSport United for the remaining CAF Champions League spot with only goal difference separating the two sides.

Form Guide 

The primary focus will however be getting over the line against Usuthu, who come into the fixture having complicated their path to a possible top-eight finish via a narrow defeat to Golden Arrows in their last outing.

They now sit in 12th place with a mathematical chance of making the cut, should they triumph on Saturday.

That particular result will require a better effort than what has been evident in recent weeks, where AmaZulu have managed five points in as many matches, with just one league win since the beginning of April.

They face off against a Pirates side that has fared far better over a similar time span, with three wins and no defeats in their last five games for a total of 11 points.

The Buccaneers have however managed two out of a possible six points in their last two games, courtesy of 1-1 stalemates at home to Royal AM and Sekhukhune United, respectively.

For a place in the continent’s most prestigious club competition, they will have to complete their end of the bargain by triumphing on Saturday.

Team News 

The Buccaneers will be missing the services of defender Tapelo Xoki, who is forced to sit out the encounter due to a one-match ban after picking up a fourth yellow for the season in the game against Sekhukhune last Saturday.

They could however be boosted in defence with the potential return of captain Innocent Maela, while Nkosinathi Sibisi is likely to slot back into the starting XI after being rested over the weekend.

Usuthu, on the other hand, have a suspension of their own in the form of Riaan Hanamub, who is also banned for one match after accumulating yellow cards. Meanwhile midfielder Siphesihle Maduna is again eligible for selection after serving out his red-card suspension.

Key Players 

Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates): The midfielder has consistently performed at a high level this season, keeping things ticking over for his side from the middle of the park. With an unmatched work rate, Monare has made key contributions in both attack and defence, making him an integral part of the Bucs cause.

George Maluleka (AmaZulu): Maluleka’s experience in the midfield will again be key against the Buccaneers. The 34-year-old has been a constant feature in the starting lineup since joining Usuthu, chipping in with a number of key assists throughout the season.

Head-to-Head

The two sides will be well-acquainted, having met twice already in the first half of the current campaign.

They squared off in a league fixture held at Orlando Pirates, which ended with a one-all scoreline before doing battle in the MTN 8 final, where the Buccaneers triumphed through a first-half goal from Monnapule Saleng.

Pirates enjoy a dominant league record over AmaZulu, with 14 wins recorded in the last 33 meetings between the two sides, where they have only been defeated three times.

They will be looking to make it 15 games unbeaten against Usuthu, with their last defeat dating back to the 2013/14 season.

How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu 

The match kicks off at 15:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. Live updates will be posted across Orlando Pirates social media platforms, as well as the Club’s official app.

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