Orlando Pirates aim to close gap with Durban City victory

Orlando Pirates FC aim to close a seven-point gap at the top of the Betway Premiership when they host Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday night. The fixture marks a return to domestic action after the club secured progress in the CAF Champions League.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's side sits second in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from five matches, their unbeaten start built on a formidable defensive record. They have scored 12 goals and conceded just one in the league this season, a run that includes four wins and one draw. Their most recent outing was a 3-1 home victory over La Cure Waves last Friday, a result that sealed a 3-1 aggregate win in the Champions League preliminary round.

"We’re respecting every game, we’re not taking any games easily," said Ouaddou, setting the tone for the league challenge ahead. The squad is boosted by the return of winger Tshepang Moremi from suspension and forward Gamphani Lungu from a brief injury spell. Their availability adds depth as the fixture schedule intensifies.

Recent momentum

Since a goalless draw away to AmaZulu in mid-August, Pirates have taken maximum points from their subsequent three league fixtures. Their form reads four wins and one draw from the last five games across all competitions.

Durban City arrive in ninth place, having taken six points from their five league matches. Their only win this term came on the road, a weekend result that captain Khalil Ben Youssef said has boosted confidence. "Now we have to recover, get back home and prepare for the next challenge," he stated after his side's own continental success, a 3-1 aggregate win over Rukinzo.

Historical edge

In 34 previous Premiership meetings, Orlando Pirates have won 18, drawn nine, and lost seven. Durban City's last victory in the fixture was a 1-0 result at Harry Gwala Stadium during the 2021/22 season, a loss Pirates avenged later that same campaign. The most recent league clash in May ended in a draw, but Pirates won the last meeting at Orlando Amstel Arena-a dramatic MTN8 quarter-final decided by a Gamphani Lungu goal in the final minute of extra time.

The match kicks off at 19:00 local time and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will be available on the club's official social media channels and Match Centre. Tickets can be purchased online via OpenTickets and at selected outlets nationwide. For the latest squad news and player statistics, visit our squad and stats pages.

With the title race heating up, Thursday presents a critical opportunity for Orlando Pirates to apply pressure at the summit. The club has one final hurdle to clear for further Champions League participation, but the immediate focus is firmly on securing three more league points.

Further reading: orlandopiratesfc.com