Sekhukhune United vs Orlando Pirates – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Babina Noko have won just once in their last eight matches. Bucs have won 16 of their last 18 matches. The clubs are separated by just three points in the table.  

Sekhukhune United Form

Sekhukhune United took 19 points from their first seven PSL matches this season. Their last seven league fixtures have seen just six points accrued. A poor 1-0 loss at Polokwane City was followed by a 3-1 defeat at Golden Arrows to exit the Carling Knockout Cup. They lost 1-0 at Siwelele, with just two shots on target produced.

They twice surrendered leads to draw 1-1, at home to Richards Bay and away to Marumo Gallants. Before the AFCON hiatus, they won 1-0 at Magesi but were outshot 21-8 in a fortunate victory. The second half of the season began with a 1-0 home defeat to Stellenbosch, despite having 66% possession.

Sekhukhune United Team News

Coach Eric Tinkler has a doubt over captain Linda Mntambo. Right back Tsepo Matsimbi is out with a long-term injury. Lebogang Phiri is pushing for a first start in the engine room whilst key man Siphesihle Mkhize should be available in midfield.

Speedy forward Lehlohonolo Mojela has been signed from Stellenbosch and striker Andy Boyeli was recalled from loan. Ivorian winger Tidiane Diomande made his debut in midweek and could start once again.

Sekhukhune United Motivation

Sekhukhune have beaten Pirates in the last two meetings. That will give them confidence going into this match.

Eric Tinkler’s side won’t be bothered about possession numbers. They will look to stifle Pirates and use fast breaks down the flanks.

Orlando Pirates Form

The Sea Robbers are having a sublime season. They’ve lifted two domestic trophies and sit just a point off Mamelodi Sundowns in the title race, but with two games in hand. Bucs’ last ten PSL fixtures have seen nine victories. They won eight straight matches without conceding a goal, before a shock CAF exit to St Eloi Lupopo on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate scoreline.

After drawing 1-1 at home to Sundowns, they went into the AFCON break on a five-match winning streak. A 3-1 win at Golden Arrows preceded a 1-0 win in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals vs Richards Bay. Two 2-0 wins followed in the league, at home to Chippa United and away to Durban City. They scored in extra time to beat Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Carling Knockout final last time out.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Bucs have seen key defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi leave the club. They’ve added three players in this transfer window in Mpho Chabatsane in defence and both Andre de Jong and Daniel Msendami in attack.

Thabiso Sesane and Olisa Ndah are both fit in defence. Neither player has featured at all yet this season. Prolific striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has been allowed to leave the club.

Orlando Pirates Motivation

Pirates will see a draw as a poor result here. They will go for the three points against a struggling Sekhukhune side.

An attacking, dominant approach is expected. Bucs won’t want to fall behind and have to face a low block.

Key Stats

• Sekhukhune have won 3 of their last 4 matches vs Pirates
• Sekhukhune have won just 1 of their last 8 matches (4 losses, 3 draws)
• Pirates have won 16 of their last 18 matches
• Orlando Pirates have kept 4 clean sheets in a row

Verdict

Bucs are flying right now, whilst the hosts are struggling. This feels like a match where the first team to score, will take the three points.

Best Bet: Orlando Pirates win at 1.90

Value Bet: Orlando Pirates win to zero at 2.63