After an extended mid-season break, Orlando Pirates may be short of rhythm, but their ambition is crystal clear: return to action with authority and dethrone log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the Betway Premiership summit.
The Buccaneers restart their campaign on Saturday afternoon away to Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium (kick-off 15:30), knowing that three points could propel them to the top of the table after nearly two months without competitive football.
It has been 48 days since Pirates last featured in league action, but their position remains strong. They sit second on the Betway Premiership standings with 28 points from 12 matches—just one point behind Sundowns—and with a game in hand that sharpens the title narrative.
The January window brought some reshaping, most notably the exit of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Chicago Fire, but the core of a side that has lost just twice all season remains intact. Pirates have also been unbeaten in the league since mid-August, underlining the momentum they intend to reignite in Polokwane.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, enter the clash under pressure after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Stellenbosch earlier this week. That result dropped Eric Tinkler’s side to fourth, four points adrift of Sundowns and two behind Kaizer Chiefs. With only one win in their last four league outings, consistency has become a growing concern.
“I don’t think it’s a setback,” Tinkler said after the loss. “When we play the big clubs, the motivation is always there. The challenge is bringing that same intensity every week—especially against teams like Pirates.”
For the Buccaneers, much of the spotlight will fall on winger Oswin Appollis, whose impact since arriving has been immediate. With five goal contributions in 12 league appearances and two goals for Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations, Appollis has emerged as an early Footballer of the Season contender—and a key weapon in Pirates’ title push.
Saturday’s encounter is about more than shaking off rust. It is a statement opportunity. As Sekhukhune fight to halt a dip in form, Pirates arrive with their sights firmly fixed on the summit, determined to turn promise into pole position and intensify the pressure on Sundowns at the very top of the Premiership table.