Orlando Pirates are chasing a crucial win over Chippa United that could place them level on points with the table-topping Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers have collected points in each of their last eight league fixtures, overcoming a difficult start to take up second place in the standings.
On Tuesday night, Abdeslam Ouaddou‘s men host Chippa at the Orlando Stadium knowing a big win could see them top the Betway Premiership for the first time this season.
Orlando Pirates have enjoyed a longer winning run, claiming maximum points in each of their last four games without conceding while finding the net five times.
The only blemish to their record in Soweto is their defeat to Sekhukhune United in their season opener, which remains the only instance where their passionate home support witnessed a goal netted against them.
Who will be available for Orlando Pirates on Tuesday?
The Buccaneers could welcome midfielder Sihle Nduli, who missed the Carling Knockout clash against Richards Bay. Olisa Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula both inch closer to featuring for the first time this season.
Relebohile Mofokeng, who missed action for much of October, could get a rare start on Tuesday as well as Sipho Mbule.
The Buccaneers have three more matches remaining for the rest of the year before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break. A total of 13 Orlando Pirates were named in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad on Monday which might affect the team’s performance.
Every player will want to be at their best to prove they deserve to be in the final 23-man squad and that could disrupt team chemistry.
The Carling Knockout Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants on 06 December will be the deciding factor on who goes and who stays behind.