The two sides lock horns for the second time this season following Orlando Pirates’ 3-1 win in the first round at King Zwelithini Stadium on 5 November 2025.
STARTING LINE UPS
Orlando Pirates starting line up: Chaine, Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto, Nemtajela, Mbatha, Moremi, Mofokeng, Appollis, Mbuthuma.
Substitutes: 35. Buthelezi, 43. Chabatsane, 28. Maswanganyi, 23. Mbule, 21. Van Rooyen, 8. Makhaula, 3. Ndaba, 17. Makgopa, 14. De Jong.
Golden Arrows starting line up: Maova, Van Rooi, Dion, Mabaso, Jiyane, Dlamini, Sibiya , Maxwele, Mafuleka, Shezi, Zwane
Substitutes: Ngcobo, Maluleke, Sithole, Lukhele, Msomi, Nguse, Cisse, B.Cele, Gasa.
ORLANDO PIRATES AND GOLDEN ARROWS BOTH EXPECTED TO SCORE
Orlando Pirates come into this clash in red-hot form, fresh from a dominant 6-0 win over TS Galaxy just before the FIFA break on 22 March. As a result of that emphatic performance, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made only one change to his side.
Additionally, the Buccaneers are right in the thick of the title race, sitting on 51 points, just two behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 53. It’s been a season built on balance, with Orlando Pirates proving just as solid at the back as they are dangerous going forward.
They have conceded only nine goals in 22 matches, a clear reflection of Ouaddou’s defensive pedigree from his playing days, while scoring 40, just one shy of Sundowns.
Silverware has already been tasted, with Orlando Pirates lifting both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout earlier in the campaign.
Meanwhile, visitors Golden Arrows, also known as Abafana Bes’thende, have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency. Under coach Manqoba Mngqithi, they sit eighth on the table with 28 points from 22 matches, recording eight wins, four draws, and ten defeats.
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Their standout moments this season include impressive wins over Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns. Going forward, Arrows have been productive, ranking among the league’s top scorers with 28 goals. However, they’ve conceded the same number, highlighting a defensive vulnerability Pirates will look to exploit.
Even so, Mngqithi has placed his trust in youth at the back tonight, handing responsibility to a young defensive unit featuring Mafuleka (20) at left-back, Mabaso (21) in left central defence and captain Jiyane (23) in central defence.
