Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership duty on Tuesday night when they welcome struggling Chippa United to Orlando Stadium, aiming to maintain pressure on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
It is the Buccaneers’ first league outing since the international break, and they do so buoyed by an eight-match unbeaten run and a flawless recent home record. With momentum swinging strongly in their favour, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men know that victory could pull them level on points with Sundowns.
Pirates: Chasing the Top Spot
Sitting second on the log with 22 points, Pirates have rediscovered their rhythm after a difficult start. Their league campaign now reads 7 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats, with an impressive 14 goals scored and only 5 conceded.
Ouaddou’s side have been particularly dominant at home, winning four straight matches in Soweto without conceding. Their last two league games – a draw against Sundowns and a 3-1 away win at Golden Arrows – underline a team finding balance between high-pressing aggression and defensive discipline.
The coach could also receive a personnel boost, with midfielder Sihle Nduli nearing return and defenders Olisa Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula edging closer to their first appearances of the season.
Chippa United: Deep in Trouble
Chippa enter the contest rooted at the bottom of the table in 16th place with just seven points from 12 matches. Their campaign has been characterised by attacking struggles – only seven goals scored – and defensive lapses, with 19 conceded.
The Chilli Boys have not won in their last five games and remain winless away from home with four losses and a draw. Their most recent outing, a goalless draw with Magesi FC, highlighted once again their lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Coach Sinethemba Badela faces increasing pressure to spark a turnaround, but the task does not get any easier with a trip to one of the league’s toughest venues.
Head-to-Head: One-Way Traffic
History offers little comfort to the visitors. Pirates have dominated this fixture:
18 wins in 25 league meetings
Only 4 defeats to Chippa since 2012
Unbeaten in the last 6 clashes, winning five of them
The first-round meeting this season ended 3–0 to Pirates in Gqeberha
Chippa’s last victory at Orlando Stadium was back in the early part of the 2022/23 campaign.
Match Details
Kick-off: 19:30
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Broadcast: SuperSport PSL
Tickets: Available on OpenTickets and selected outlets
Summary
Pirates enter as overwhelming favourites, carrying strong home form and a clear tactical identity under Ouaddou. Chippa, meanwhile, are fighting to keep their season alive and desperate to avoid slipping further into danger.
If head-to-head history, current form, and home advantage are anything to go by, the Buccaneers are well-positioned to secure another important three points.