As the Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership action Wednesday night, fans are holding their breath in anticipation of a resurgence in their title aspirations.

The Buccaneers will face Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, with kick-off set for 7.30pm.

Following a frustrating defeat to their title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, this encounter represents a critical opportunity for head coach Jose Riveiro’s side to rediscover their winning form and keep alive hopes of clinching their first league title in 13 years.

44 - The hat-trick vs. Baroka represents Tshegofatso Mabasa’s 42nd, 43rd & 44th goals for Orlando Pirates, making him the 2nd-highest scorer for the club in the PSL era after Benedict Vilakazi (58). Newsletter.

Orlando Pirates Top 5 scorers: https://t.co/O3QY4Wbxk5 pic.twitter.com/94VIUxG2zc
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) February 17, 2025

Pirates have stumbled at the halfway mark of the season, losing twice in their last five matches to Cape Town City and the Brazilians during a period where the defending champions also strung together a seven-match winning streak.

Despite the humbling loss to Sundowns, there is a flicker of optimism for Pirates supporters as the Tshwane giants recently fell to a surprising loss against TS Galaxy. Currently sitting nine points behind Sundowns in the league standings, the Buccaneers have two games in hand, providing a glimmer of hope that a comeback is on the cards.

Central to this revival will be the prowess of Tshegofatso Mabasa, who is eager to channel his recent Nedbank Cup success into the league.

The 28-year-old forward netted a hat-trick in the Pirates’ dominant 3-0 victory over Baroka FC at the weekend, however, his last league goal was on December 24 during an astonishing 8-1 rout of Marumo Gallants.

Given that Pirates triumphed over Arrows 7-1 in their previous Premiership meeting last April, Mabasa’s confidence could work wonders in front of goal.

In the current season, Mabasa has mustered only two league goals, including a strike against Chippa United back in September. The league’s top goal scorer last season with 17 goals understands that individual accolades mean little compared to what the team can achieve together.

⚽️ 𝔽𝕆𝕆𝕋𝔹𝔸𝕃𝕃 𝕄𝔸𝕊𝕋𝔼ℝℂ𝕃𝔸𝕊𝕊 ⚽️

Orlando Pirates completed 36 passes prior to Tshegofatso Mabasa's third goal against Baroka FC in the #NedbankCup clash!#SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/Y0XJgB50rB
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 16, 2025

“I’m glad to see the team bounce back after the loss in our previous game,” Mabasa stated on the Pirates' official website.

“For me, it’s not about personal milestones. I want to focus on the team’s goals because they are more impactful and meaningful for the club and our fans.”

With 44 goals for the Buccaneers, Mabasa is now just 14 goals shy of matching the all-time record held by Pirates legend Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi.

His burgeoning presence on the pitch is pivotal as the Pirates prepare to face off against a resilient Arrows side, which has historically struggled against the Buccaneers in recent seasons.

In their last two league campaigns, Pirates have inflicted substantial defeats on Arrows and will be looking to continue that trend.

The KwaZulu Natal-based outfit also heads into this match with their own top eight ambitions which will make this occasion spectacular.

As a key battle in terms of the final title destination approaches, all eyes will be on the likes of Mabasa, not just for his scoring abilities but also for his leadership as the Pirates continue their pursuit of glory both in the league and cup competitions.