All eyes will be at King Zwelithini Stadium as Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates battle for three points in Round 13 of the Premier Soccer League.
The match will kick off at 15:30 South African Standard Time on Saturday, 25 November 2023 in Richards Bay, South Africa.
☠️ 😍 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 😍
🏆 #DStvPrem
⚽️ @RichardsBayFC_ vs @orlandopirates
📆 Saturday, 25 November 2023
🏟 King Zwelithini Stadium
🕞 15h30⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/r7wwrSYG97
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) November 23, 2023
Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates match preview
Richards Bay are going through a rough patch this season in the league and are currently occupying a relegation spot.
After avoiding the drop last term by four points, the hosts have managed just nine points in 12 league matches.
The Natal Rich Boys come into this game on the back of a win in their last outing just before the international break.
The result halted a run of three straight defeats and a first win in five PSL fixtures. Richards Bay have only won one game at home this campaign, and it'll be interesting to see how they fare against Bucs.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates will look to continue their league resurgence as they travel to the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast.
Jose Riveiro's side come into this game on the back of two consecutive wins in the league and an improved 7th position on the standings.
The recent victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby will serve as a morale booster for the Buccaneers, who will fancy their chances against a struggling Richards Bay.
Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates probable lineups
Richards Bay
Kaitano Tembo will be pleased with the performance of his men in their last outing before the international break.
With no injury concerns, he's expected to maintain his previous lineup with Nkululeko Miya playing just behind the lone striker Yanela Mbuthuma.
Probable lineups for Richards Bay: Mabokgwane (GK); Dlamini, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Banda; Barns, Mabaso, Komane, Gumede; Miya, Mbuthuma.
Orlando Pirates
Coach Riveiro welcomed six of his players back from international duty without injury concerns.
However, Thabiso Monyane, Kermit Erasmus, and Miguel Timm are doubtful to face Richards Bay as all three players got substituted in the win over Chiefs in the derby due to injury.
Probable lineups for Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi (GK); Hotto, Xoki, Ndah, Bandile Shandu; Monare, Ndlondlo, Ratomo, Lorch; Maswanganyi, Makgopa.
Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates confirmed lineups
*Lineups will be automatically updated shortly after they're released
Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates predictions
Prediction 1: Orlando Pirates to score first
In the last three encounters between both teams, Pirates have been the only team that have scored. The MTN8 champions also found the back of the net first in both of their last two league games.
Playing against a struggling Richards Bay, we fancy Riveiro's men to draw the first blood at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Prediction 2: Orlando Pirates to win
Orlando Pirates are unbeaten in the PSL against Tembo's side, having registered one win and a draw in their two previous games.
The Sea Robbers have form on their side with two straight wins against Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs. They're the favourites to come off with all three points and we're backing them to do just that.
Prediction 3: One team to draw blanks
Previous clashes between these teams have not given us goals at both ends. It's either one team scores or both teams fail to find the back of the net.
Orlando Pirates have not conceded in their last three matches due to their good form and watertight defence in recent times. Taking both points into consideration, we back one team to score here while the other draws blank.
Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates stats
- Both teams will be meeting for the second time this season, having met in the League Cup earlier this month.
- Richards Bay and Orlando Pirates will be meeting for the fourth time, with one win apiece and a draw in their last three encounters.
- Richards Bay have lost seven of their 12 league matches this season.
- Richards Bay have lost three of their last four home games.
- Richards Bay have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven league matches at home.
- Richards Bay are winless against Pirates in league matches.
- Orlando Pirates have kept three consecutive clean sheets in their last three matches.
Where to watch Richards Bay vs Orlando Pirates live
This match will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC Sports for fans in South Africa.
Fans can also stay in touch with the action by keeping an eye on live updates posted across both teams' handle on X.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
