Orlando Pirates seek to extend long unbeaten run

Orlando Pirates aim to extend their impressive unbeaten streak as they prepare to face Durban City in the Betway Premiership, scheduled for Thursday at the Amstel Arena. The Buccaneers have maintained a perfect record of 24 matches across various competitions, with no defeats in regular time since their February loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.

In their recent 24 matches, Pirates have achieved 17 wins and 7 draws. Currently, the defending league champions trail league leaders Sundowns by seven points, but have a three-game advantage due to fewer fixtures.

Pirates enter this fixture with high confidence following their second preliminary round advancement in the CAF Champions League this past weekend. They secured a 3-1 victory over Mauritius' La Cure Waves. Moving forward, Pirates will take on Namibian champions African Stars in the second preliminary round.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's injury concerns loom large, as more players continue to fall ill. Recent absences include Andre De Jong, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Ghampani Lungu, and Sihle Nduli, all dealing with various injuries. The positive news for Ouaddou is that winger Tshepang Moremi will return after serving a one-match suspension. Durban City, the opponents, present a formidable challenge with their own strong form.

The Buccaneers face a confident and advancing opponent in Durban City, who recently eliminated Rukinzo FC 2-1 in Burundi during the second-leg preliminary encounter. Their 3-1 aggregate scoreline, following a 1-0 win in the first leg, has propelled them into the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup. Coach Khalil Ben Youssef expressed satisfaction with his team's resilience, stating that despite conceding a goal back, they maintained composure and managed the game effectively in extra time.

The two teams have previously met in a cup clash, with Pirates emerging victorious 2-1 in extra time in the MTN8's opening round held in Orlando last month.