Pirates with a chance to go top

Yesterday at 04:00 AM

Orlando Pirates will have the chance to go top of South Africa's Betway Premiership when a trio of matches is played across the country on the evening of Wednesday 8 January 2025.

Pirates will look to take advantage of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns' absence (their scheduled clash against TS Galaxy on Tuesday has been postponed) and go to the top of the standings if they can defeat hosts Cape Town City.

The Buccaneers continued their fine form this past weekend with a 3-0 home win over Stade d'Abidjan of Ivory Coast, a result which has taken them to within touching distance of a quarterfinal berth in the CAF Champions League.

"I think it was an extraordinary performance in every phase, not allowing [our] opponents to play at all," said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro. "We managed to do our pressing very well throughout 90 minutes and played well from the build-up. I think it's [a] really positive game for the team."

As for Cape Town City, they defeated Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 on Sunday in their first match under 'new' coach Muhsin Ertugral. The veteran tactician wants his team to forget their result against the Amakhosi as they prepare to take on the Buccaneers.

"Orlando Pirates at the moment [is] one of the best teams not only in South Africa but in the continent," said Ertugral. "We need to get over this performance as quickly as possible and we'll see, because both teams can play a very tactical approach."

Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, will be under pressure to bounce back against Stellenbosch (who claimed a 2-0 win over Desportivo Lunda Sul in the CAF Confederation Cup this past weekend) at FNB Stadium – with coach Nasreddine Nabi urging his players to give more.

"We had to wait for an individual [against City] […] except [Mduduzi] Shabalala, everyone needs to step up, if a player does not feel good, everyone needs to lift the team, contribute to the improvement of the team," said the Tunisian.

Wednesday will also feature AmaZulu FC hosting Sekhukhune United at Moses Mabhida Stadium – with Usuthu aiming to secure a fifth consecutive win over Babina Noko across all competitions.

Betway Premiership midweek fixtures

Times CAT

Tuesday 7 January

Postponed: TS Galaxy v Mamelodi Sundowns

Wednesday 8 January

19:30: Cape Town City v Orlando Pirates
19:30: Kaizer Chiefs v Stellenbosch FC
19:30: AmaZulu FC v Sekhukhune United