Orlando Pirates aim to extend winning run as Marumo Gallants begin Kanalelo era

Orlando Pirates will look to strengthen their challenge at the top of the Betway Premiership when they visit Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng on Sunday afternoon.

The defending champions have won their past four league matches and sit on 16 points after Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena. Another win would allow Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side to reduce the gap to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns before the international break.

Pirates have also made an impressive start in front of goal, scoring 14 times in their opening six matches. Their recent form and attacking output have established them among the early pace-setters as they attempt to keep their title defence on course.

Gallants, by contrast, are still waiting for their first league victory of the campaign. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa have collected only two points from their six matches, leaving them at the wrong end of the table.

Their difficult opening has led to a change in the technical area, with former Namibia international goalkeeper Ronnie Kanalelo taking charge. Sunday’s match will be his first in the role, giving Gallants an opportunity to begin a new chapter with an immediate response.

Kanalelo will be hoping his players can produce a reaction against a Pirates team arriving with significant momentum. The hosts will need to find a way to contain a side that has won four successive league games and scored freely during the opening phase of the season.

Pirates’ target is clear: claim three more points and continue their pursuit of Sundowns. With the international break approaching, both teams will want to end this part of the campaign positively, although they arrive at Royal Bafokeng from very different positions.

The contrast in league form makes Pirates the stronger side on momentum, but Gallants will hope the change in leadership can alter their fortunes and provide the platform for a first league win.

Predicted Orlando Pirates line-up

Sipho Chaine; Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba; Oswin Appollis, Simphiwe Selepe, Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Masilela; Yanela Mbuthuma, Tshepang Moremi.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix