Durban City head coach Gavin Hunt is looking to disrupt Orlando Pirates’ momentum when his team hosts the Buccaneers this weekend.
The Pirates have been in excellent form, winning eight out of their last nine league matches. A victory on Saturday afternoon would allow them to top the Betway Premiership for the first time this season.
Even a draw would be enough to put them at the top, though that wouldn’t be ideal, as rivals Kaizer Chiefs, Sekhukhune United, and Mamelodi Sundowns still have matches to play.
The Pirates currently have a game in hand over league leaders Sundowns, and a win against Durban City would give them a three-point lead, creating valuable momentum. Given that both Sundowns and Chiefs are engaged in CAF competitions, this could allow the Buccaneers to open up a small gap.
However, can Durban City upset Pirates?
Orlando has already lost their first two league matches this season, and if they underestimate Saturday’s game, they could suffer a third defeat.
Gavin Hunt’s side is currently seventh on the log after 13 matches and needs points to maintain their solid start to the season. A win would bring them just three points behind log leaders Masandawana. For Durban City, a draw would also be a favourable result, considering the quality of the Orlando Pirates.
When are Orlando Pirates playing Durban City?
The Buccaneers face Durban City on Saturday (29 November) afternoon at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 15:30, and the match will be televised on SuperSport channels.
The Durban City game is tricky, given it is the team’s last league match before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break.
A week after playing Durban City, Pirates then face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. With one eye on the final, Orlando Pirates will need to treat Saturday’s match against Durban City like a final.