Pirates Aim to Reclaim Top Spot Against Babina Noko

Orlando Pirates return to the Betway Premiership tomorrow, Saturday 24 January, with a trip to Polokwane, aiming to leapfrog Mamelodi Sundowns at the Premier Soccer League’s summit.

Despite a 48-day competitive hiatus, the Buccaneers arrive at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, in formidable form, boasting a ten-match unbeaten league run.

Standing in their way is a Sekhukhune United side coached by former Pirates boss Eric Tinkler. While “Babina Noko” recently slipped to fourth following a defeat to Stellenbosch, Tinkler believes the magnitude of the opponent will galvanise his squad.

Regarding the challenge of facing the Soweto giants, Tinkler stated: “The challenge is to reignite that same level of intensity in every match, especially when facing formidable foes like Pirates.”

The hosts have historically proven a “bogey team” for the visitors, winning three of the last four encounters between the pair. However, Pirates have been active in the transfer market to bolster their title charge, potentially handing debuts to Andre de Jong and Daniel Msendami.

With Sundowns currently leading by a single point, a victory for the clinical Buccaneers would restore their status as pace-setters in what is becoming a high-stakes title race.

Image Credit: Source