Orlando Pirates aim to close gap on Mamelodi Sundowns against Marumo Gallants

Orlando Pirates will look to maintain their push at the top of the Betway Premiership when they face struggling Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The match takes place on 20 September 2026, with Pirates arriving in confident mood after beating Durban City 2-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday evening.

That result leaves the Buccaneers four points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who are not involved in league action this weekend. Pirates will therefore have the opportunity to reduce the gap with another victory.

Marumo Gallants, however, will be hoping for a change in fortunes as they begin a new era under head coach Ronnie Kanalelo, who was appointed earlier this week.

The hosts have endured a difficult start to the campaign, drawing two and losing four of their opening six league matches. They will now attempt to claim their first win in the Betway Premiership against a Pirates side chasing ground at the summit.

Starting line-ups

Marumo Gallants start with 30. Lako in goal, supported by 22. Rikhotso, 3. Ntiya-Ntiya, 44. Sikakane and 13. Ncube.

Their midfield includes 15. Ndlondlo, 8. Mbhele and 27. Seketso, while 12. Otladiso, 31. Injil and 18. Kunene lead the attack.

Orlando Pirates name 24. Chaine as their goalkeeper. The defensive line features 5. Sibisi, 6. Seema, 3. Ndaba and 36. Sebelebele.

Pirates’ midfield is made up of 20. Selepe, 33. Mokobodi and 48. Masilela, with 11. Moremi, 49. Kgositsile and 9. Mbuthuma completing the starting XI.

The substitutes listed are 32. Dladla, 37. Zulu, 7. Hotto, 29. Mthiyane, 15. Nemtajela, 38. Padime, 12. Appollis, 23. Lungu and 31. Pedersen.