Betway Premiership action takes centre stage this evening with two matches on the programme, as Orlando Pirates return to domestic league duty with a crucial home encounter against Durban City in Gauteng.
The main attraction will be at Orlando Amstel Arena, where the defending champions welcome Durban City at 7.30pm.
Pirates enter the match sitting second on the table with 13 points from five matches, having won four and drawn one. They have also conceded just once so far, giving them a goal difference.
However, the Buccaneers have already seen early pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns open a seven-point gap at the top. Sundowns have 20 points after eight matches, while Pirates have played five.
A victory against Durban City would therefore be important for Pirates as they attempt to reduce the points difference and keep pace with Sundowns.
Pirates’ early league campaign has been interrupted by their CAF Champions League commitments. The club says the Buccaneers are now returning to domestic action after progressing in the continental competition, where they overcame Mauritian champions La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate.
Durban City, meanwhile, arrive in Soweto sitting ninth with six points from five matches, having recorded one victory, three draws and one defeat.
The visitors will be looking to frustrate the champions and build on what their players describe as growing confidence following recent positive results. Durban City midfielder Jurgens says the team knows it faces a difficult challenge but believes discipline and togetherness will be important.
For Pirates, the assignment is straightforward: three points would keep their title challenge moving while reducing the gap at the top.
The other Betway Premiership match scheduled for this evening is Marumo Gallants against Orlando Pirates? — however, the official PSL fixture list confirms that the second league matches begin on Saturday, with Richards Bay hosting Sekhukhune United at 3pm and Polokwane City facing AmaZulu at 5.30pm.