Orlando Pirates will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Chippa United to the Orlando Stadium in their next DStv Premiership encounter on Sunday afternoon.
The Soweto giants come into this fixture on a two-match unbeaten run in the league after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium when a second-half goal from Júnior Mendieta cancelled out Nkosinathi Sibisi’s 45th-minute opener.
Chippa, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back and secure their first win this season after they suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of in-form side Royal AM after they were undone by a brace from Andre de Jong and a goal from Ruzaigh Gamildien at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Buccaccaneer’s draw saw them remain in fourth place in the league standings with four points after one win and a draw in their first two games, while the Chilli Boys’ defeat sees them remain in 13th position on the log with one point after playing out to one draw and one defeat in their first two matches.
“I have to say that we were very surprised about the Stellenbosch rhythm in the first minutes, we didn’t find ways to get rid of the pressing, whatever comes to my mind will sound like an excuse,” Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said.
“The fact is that they were much better than us in the first period and the game is like this, we went into half-time with an advantage and we didn’t deserve it at all.
“They did a fantastic job in the first half and we corrected the situation in the second half.
“I think the team was much better at the beginning of the second period and then when we were probably in our best moment of the game, they equalised.
“I think in the end both teams had chances due to the craziness at times on the pitch, I think the result is fair, both teams deserved to get something.”
When the two teams squared off last campaign in the DStv Premiership, Pirates were the better of the two teams after they managed to secure a 3-1 win away to Chippa before they shared the spoils in the return goals with a goalless draw at the Orlando Stadium.
Jose Riveiro will be equipped with a fully fit squad for the encounter as they have no injuries to report, while Daine Klate will be without the services of right winger Jemondre Dickens, who remains out of action with a knee injury.
Nkosinathi Sibisi looks to have settled in a Pirates and didn’t wait long to open his account for the Buccaneers after he scored the Buccaneers’ only goal in their draw against Stellies last time out.
Diego Appollis is high in confidence and will be looking to continue his form in front of goal for Chippa after netting a consolation goal in their defeat to Royal AM in their previous outing in the league.
Orlando Pirates Form This Season:
WD
Chippa United Form This Season:
DL