Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits contest a top of the table clash in the Premiership on Saturday as Kaizer Chiefs welcome Maritzburg United.
Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral will be hoping his side can avenge their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Gavin Hunt’s side in the MTN8 as they travel to the Bidvest Stadium in good form. Wits, on the other hand, are unbeaten this season and will favour their chances over the new-look Bucs side on home soil.
The pair currently find themselves level at the top of the table with seven points from three matches played thus far, with Pirates’ solitary extra goal scored the only thing separating the sides.
Wits are without midfielder Phakamani Mahlambi and centre back Keanu Cupido for the tie as the pair struggle with injury. Meanwhile, the club will be counting on the good form of new midfield signing Thabang Monarewings as wells as wings Daine Klate and Elias Pelembe to propel them to victory.
They key man for Pirates is undoubtedly striker Tendai Ndoro, who has netted all five of his side’s goals in the Premiership this season. The side has also been boosted by the return of influential midfielder and captain Oupa Manyisa, while the likes of Justice Chabalala, Donald Mokondelela, Gladwin Shitolo and Nkosinathi Mthiyane are all doubts.
The evening’s earlier action will see a revitalised Chiefs look to a build upon their first win of the season with no less than another three points against the Team of Choice.
The Glamour Boys edged to three points against Highlands Park in midweek and will be hoping that the confidence-boosting win can ignite the side’s Premiership challenge.
Having been dumped out of the MTN8 and recorded a loss and a draw from their opening pair of Premiership fixtures, the win has lifted the Amakhosi level with the Maritzburg on four points for the season. The side are expected to welcome back influential veteran Siphiwe Tshabalala to the side while Camaldine Abraw remains a long-term injury absence.
The Team of Choice, meanwhile, will be hoping to put a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to SuperSport United behind them as they prepare for the difficult trip to the FNB Stadium. The side will be without Themba Shabalala for the tie as the centre back remains sidelined by injury.
PSL Weekend Fixtures:
Saturday, September 24
Polokwane City vs Highlands Park – 15:00
Platinum Stars vs Baroka – 15:00
Kaizer Chiefs vs Maritzburg United – 18:00
Bidvest Wits vs Orlando Pirates – 20:15
SuperSport United vs Free State Stars – 20:15
Sunday, September 25
Bloemfontein Celtic vs Golden Arrows – 15:00
