Early league front-runners Orlando Pirates and last season’s runners-up Bidvest Wits are both in action in the Premiership on Tuesday evening.
The Buccaneers are the only side to have taken six points from two matches in the league thus far this season, while their opponents will be hopeful of producing a better display than they did in the previous week’s action – where they were defeated 2-0 at the hands of Golden Arrows before failing to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Bidvest Wits in the MTN8.
Pirates star Justice Chabalala, who was superb for the side in their 2-1 win over Ajax Cape Town last week, faces a late fitness test for the encounter while the likes of Oupa Manyisa and Mpho Makola are back in contention. The trio of Gladwin Shitolo, Nkosinathi Mthinyane and Donald Mokondelela, however, are all sure to miss the game through injury.
Eric Tinkler will be wary of the form of golden boot leader Tendai Ndoro as he prepares to lead his club against the side he managed in the Premiership last season. Former Bucs players Lehlohonolo Majoro and Tshepo Gumede are also likely to feature and will be playing with a point to prove having been let go by the side last transfer window. Meanwhile, the likes of Aubrey Ngoma and Bhongolwethu Jayiya are ready to make a return to City’s squad following injuries.
Pirates boast the better of the head-to-head record between the sides having won 13 times to City’s [formally Mpumalanga Black Aces] 10 victories in 30 meetings.
Elsewhere, Gavin Hunt’s Bidvest Wits face an away journey to an unpredictable Baroka side. Wits are unbeaten in five matches this season having taken four points from a possible six in the league and booked their spot in the MTN8 final. Baroka, meanwhile, played out a 1-1 draw with Ajax Cape Town in their opening game of the season before suffering a 2-1 loss away to fellow promoted outfit Highlands Park.
Baroka remains short of full strength as they await the green light on work permits for new Ugandan striker pairing Geoffrey Massa and Aucho Khalid. The side has no injuries or suspension to contend with and will be hoping their players can capitalise on home ground advantage.
Wits also have a clean bill of health and will welcome back their first choice goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs following suspension. The side will be slightly wary of having failed to score in their last two matches and will be hoping influential wing Daine Klate or strikers Elias Pelembe and Gabadinho Mhango can deliver the goods.
Wits and Baroka have faced off only twice in the sides’ history, with Wits edging the matchup having won once while the sides drew the other.
The third of Tuesday’s fixtures will see Ajax Cape Town look to bounce back from defeat at the hands of Pirates last time out when they welcome a visit from Polokwane City.
Tuesday’s PSL fixtures:
Orlando Pirates vs Cape Town City
Ajax Cape Town vs Polokwane City
Baroka vs Bidvest Wits
All matches kick-off at 19:30.
