Sport

Soweto giants aim to close in on Sundowns as midweek clashes loom

Staff Reporter|Published

Both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have the chance to close the gap on table-topper Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday evening. Both midweek clashes featuring the Soweto giants will have renewed interest with both matches kicking off at 7.30pm.

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Though defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns once more top the Betway Premiership log, with 21 points from 10 games, both Kaizer Chiefs (fourth) and Orlando Pirates (third) are on 15 points after fewer games. 

Pirates have played seven matches, and Chiefs eight.

IOL Sport’s Michael Sherman reports that this obviously makes for an intriguing time in the Betway Premiership, as both Chiefs and Pirates have the chance to close the gap on table-topper Sundowns on Wednesday evening. Both midweek clashes featuring the Soweto giants will have renewed interest, with both matches kicking off at 7.30pm. 

Pirates host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium, while Chiefs are at home at FNB Stadium to Siwelele.

Pirates seek quick recovery

The Buccaneers head into their midweek fixture looking to bounce back after their 3-0 first-leg qualifying defeat to Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League on Sunday.

That loss ended a solid run of form across competitions, and the team will be eager to regain momentum in front of home fans.

The defeat came despite the presence of Oswin Appollis, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, all of whom were goal-scorers in Bafana Bafana’s final FIFA World Cup qualifier, which secured South Africa’s ticket to next year’s global showpiece.

Chiefs looking to convert chances

For Chiefs, frustration also marked their weekend outing in African competition. They played to a goalless draw against AS Simba in Tanzania in their CAF Confederation Cup second qualifying round first leg.

With home advantage at FNB Stadium, Chiefs will be looking to turn that stalemate into something more decisive on Wednesday evening.

Elsewhere

In the other Betway Premiership fixture of the night, Stellenbosch FC hosts Golden Arrows at Athlone Stadium.