Orlando Pirates eye crucial victory over TS Galaxy while Kaizer Chiefs welcome struggling side

Key discussion points before the upcoming weekend matches.

Pirates target return to summit

On Sunday Orlando Pirates will attempt to reclaim the lead in the Betway Premiership by facing unpredictable TS Galaxy in an encounter that demands a win.

The Sea Robbers lost their edge to frontrunners Mamelodi Sundowns last week after drawing at home against Siwelele and now trail by two points in the championship battle with nine matches remaining for each.

Sundowns face CAF Champions League commitments this weekend so Pirates could surge ahead although they would have played an extra fixture. Remaining behind the Brazilians after that would be costly.

Galaxy remains hard to predict. They can overcome any opponent when in form but recently fell to a 2-1 defeat at home against relegation candidates Orbit College.

Pirates hold a 6-3 advantage in past meetings with two stalemates but have not played at Galaxy since October 2024 when they secured a 2-0 victory away. No draws have occurred in Mpumalanga between them with Galaxy ahead 3-2 on home turf.

Chiefs seek consecutive triumphs

Kaizer Chiefs halted their streak of four defeats by beating Durban City in their latest outing and anticipate another success when hosting last-placed Magesi FC on Saturday.

Magesi have not won in 12 outings (six draws six losses) yet earned points in three of four recent games since veteran manager Allan Freese took charge.

Nevertheless they remain the sole team without an away victory this season (five draws six losses) scoring only five times in 11 road fixtures.

Chiefs have struggled defensively at home conceding 11 goals in 12 matches which ranks sixth worst in the Betway Premiership. Away they have leaked just one goal from seven games.

This match forms one of two home fixtures before a demanding seven-game away sequence due to the unusual scheduling they face this term.

They boast two victories and a draw from three prior encounters with Magesi.

Battle for third position

Sekhukhune United joins three other teams in the chase for third spot and CAF Confederation Cup entry this year including AmaZulu Chiefs and Durban City.

They occupy that berth currently via goal difference with Chiefs one point back but holding two games in reserve. Thus a win proves vital as they head to Lamontville Golden Arrows this weekend.

The fixture features a duel between seasoned coaches as Golden Arrows Manqoba Mngqithi faces Sekhukhune Eric Tinkler.

Sekhukhune possess the third strongest away form after the leading duo Sundowns and Pirates yet only those two have outscored Golden Arrows at home where the latter hit 13 goals in 10 outings.

Abafana Besthende sit eighth by goals tallied ahead of Galaxy but face pressure from trailing sides aiming for next seasons MTN8 spots.

Historical clashes show balance with three Arrows wins four for Sekhukhune and three ties. Arrows claimed a 3-1 home win in the Carling Knockout this term.

Chippa chase milestone

Chippa United appeared set to escape relegation worries after three straight wins post Africa Cup of Nations resumption but have since collected just two points from nine possible.

They visit Stellenbosch FC on Saturday who remain undefeated in seven league ties (three wins four draws) yet have tied their past three including midweek at Golden Arrows. Both sides have lost momentum in securing victories.

Chippa hold a two-point buffer over the play-off zone while Stellenbosch linger outside the top eight on goal difference amid the pack vying for MTN8 qualification next year.

Stellenbosch stay unbeaten in eight against Chippa (four wins four draws) and have avoided defeat at home to the Eastern Cape outfit (three wins three draws).

Usuthu hunt consistency

AmaZulu number among those contending for third but hold just one win from five recent league matches (one draw three losses) or they might lead the pack.

They journey to Polokwane City a tough venue though the hosts have managed four draws and a loss in their last five home games without a win before their fans since September. Indeed they have tied six of 10 home fixtures this season the highest tally in the league.

Usuthu did triumph 2-1 at Polokwane in the Nedbank Cup last month providing recent positivity but that stands as their lone success in eight prior trips (four draws three losses).

Polokwane secured an away league win at AmaZulu in November.