Orlando Pirates target top spot as struggling Marumo Gallants await

Orlando Pirates can move to within one point of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns when they face Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday.

The Buccaneers are second in the table and are also seeking to preserve their unbeaten record in all competitions during a busy campaign. They have won four of their past five matches, with their only setback a goalless draw against La Cure Waves in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round two weeks ago.

Pirates will be expected to respond positively after that stalemate as they continue their pursuit of Sundowns at the top of the league. Kick-off is scheduled for 15h00.

Gallants, meanwhile, are bottom of the table after a difficult opening to the season. They have collected only two points from six matches and have already changed manager, with Phuti Mohafe dismissed and Namibian legend Ronnie Kanalelo appointed in his place.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa were beaten by in-form AmaZulu last Saturday. Their most recent victory came in March, when they defeated Chippa United.

Gallants will also be looking to avoid another defeat by Pirates after the Soweto club were surprisingly beaten 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season. Daniel Msendami and Jaison Clifford scored for Gallants, while Patrick Maswanganyi was on target for Pirates.

Confirmed line-ups

Marumo Gallants: Lako, Rikhotso, Ntiya-Ntiya, Sikakane, Ncube, Ndlondlo, Lithuli, Moremi, Otladiso, Injil, Kunene

Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba, Sebelebele, Selepe, Mokobodi, Masilela, Moremi, Kgositsile, Mbuthuma

Substitutes: Dladla, Zulu, Hotto, Mthiyane, Nemtajela, Padime, Appollis, Lungu, Pedersen