Orlando Pirates seek to regain top spot, Kaizer Chiefs go for six of the best

We look ahead to the key matches as the season approaches its closing stages.

Pirates aim for top spot

Orlando Pirates need to move past the setback of their recent 2-2 draw against Richards Bay as they prepare to welcome another KwaZulu-Natal team, the fourth-placed AmaZulu, on Saturday.

A win would return The Buccaneers to the summit of the standings, leading Mamelodi Sundowns by two points, although they have two additional matches played. Even so, it would create scoreboard pressure that requires a reaction from The Brazilians.

Pirates boast an impressive history against Usuthu, remaining unbeaten in their previous 24 encounters across all competitions (W14 D10). AmaZulu's most recent triumph over the Soweto club came via a 1-0 victory on the road in August 2013.

Pirates secured a 2-0 success in the earlier encounter this term and have kept clean sheets in nine of their past 11 league outings at home. However, Usuthu have been performing strongly on their travels, claiming five victories in their last eight away fixtures (D1 L1).

Chiefs look to keep run going

Kaizer Chiefs extended their winning streak to five matches with a 4-1 triumph over Magesi FC on Wednesday evening, strengthening their hold on third position and perhaps keeping hopes alive for a second-place finish this campaign.

They sit 10 points behind second-placed Pirates but hold a game in hand and face their fierce Soweto opponents on April 26.

Chiefs are enjoying their longest league winning run since the 2019/20 season, when they notched eight consecutive successes.

City occupy seventh spot in the table yet have failed to win any of their last seven home games (D4 L3) following their win against Sekhukhune United back in September.

They have held their own versus Chiefs lately, with the past nine clashes producing three victories for Polokwane, three for Chiefs, and three stalemates.

Magesi seek home lift

Bottom-placed Magesi FC believe their recent showings have surpassed their outcomes, and there may be some validity to that view, yet ultimately it comes down to gathering points, something they urgently require.

The 4-1 defeat to Chiefs on Wednesday was a harsh blow, especially after holding their own in the opening period, though it exposed their weaknesses.

A win against visitors Durban City could lift them completely clear of the drop zone, as the opponents endure their own rough spell following their Nedbank Cup final appearance.

City have taken two wins and suffered three losses in their most recent five outings across all tournaments, each ending 1-0, whether in their favour or not.

Positioned sixth, City have probably secured an MTN8 berth for next year but remain keen to reach 40 points for certainty, needing just five more.

The return match in Durban this season resulted in a decisive 3-1 home victory for City.

Orbit College to dodge Arrows

Orbit College will entertain a challenging Lamontville Golden Arrows outfit on Saturday, arguably the most erratic side in the top division, yet one hungry for points to chase a top-eight finish.

Golden Arrows have picked up road successes against the other two sides battling relegation, Magesi FC and Marumo Gallants, in the near past, making them favourites to repeat the feat.

Nonetheless, they arrive after a dismal 5-0 loss at Orlando Pirates in their previous away assignment.

Orbit have gone four games without a win (D1 L3) and managed only a draw followed by five losses in their last six home league matches since November. Their most recent home success came over Magesi.

These teams have clashed twice this season, in the league and the Nedbank Cup, both at Golden Arrows' venue, where Abafana Besthende triumphed 3-0 on each occasion.

Blunt attacks meet in Bloem

Marumo Gallants halted a three-game losing streak with a 0-0 stalemate against relegation rivals Orbit College at home last weekend and now confront the division's least prolific scorers, local rivals Siwelele, on Saturday.

They see this as a prime opportunity to claim at least a further point towards survival, though a home victory would prove invaluable. They have not achieved one in the league since a 2-1 defeat of Chippa United in October.

Siwelele have netted just 13 times in 23 league fixtures this term, whereas Gallants share second-bottom spot on 17 goals alongside Magesi and Orbit College. This match might end goalless.

Siwelele narrowly won the earlier meeting 1-0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, a venue shared by the clubs for much of this season.