TIPSTER'S TABLE | Chiefs, Pirates have dates in Africa, as Sundowns tackle Durban City

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs start their continental campaigns in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively on Saturday.

Domestically, Mamelodi Sundowns aim to continue their unbeaten start in the league when they taken on surprise package Durban City, while Stellenbosch FC will hope to get back to winning ways against Richards Bay at home.

Kabuscorp (Angola) vs Kaizer Chiefs @ 11 de Novembro Stadium, Luanda, 5pm Chiefs were comprehensively defeated 3-1 by Sekhukhune United in a midweek match, and a few hours later they travelled to Luanda, Angola, for Saturday's CAF Confederation Cup clash (preliminary first round, first leg). This is not ideal preparation for an international game, and Chiefs will also be reeling from the sudden departure of coach Nasreddine Nabi.

Kabuscorp are better prepared after defeating Interclube 1-0 in an Angolan Premiership match on Tuesday. With home ground advantage and a few days’ break, Kabuscorp have the edge, but Chiefs will still go into the game as favourites.

Interestingly, Chiefs have included three new signings in their squad travelling to Angola: Paseka Mako, Siphesihle Ndlovu, and Flavio da Silva. They were all signed during this transfer window.

Betting odds: Kabuscorp FC 4 | Draw 2.4 | Kaizer Chiefs 0.65

Prediction: Kabuscorp 0 Kaizer Chiefs 2

Stellenbosch FC vs Richards Bay @ Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, 5.30pm

Stellenbosch return home looking to bounce back after a mixed start to the campaign. Steve Barker’s men are usually strong at the Danie Craven Stadium, with pace out wide and a compact midfield.

Richards Bay, co-coached by Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, are expected to sit deep and look for counter-attacks. The Natal Rich Boys have shown grit but continue to battle inconsistency on the road. With Stellies’ home advantage, they will enter as favourites, though Richards Bay could prove stubborn opponents.

Betting odds: Stellenbosch 0.85 | Draw 2.45 | Richards Bay 3.40

Prediction: Stellenbosch 1-0 Richards Bay

Lioli FC vs Orlando Pirates @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, 3pm Orlando Pirates begin their CAF Champions League journey with a tricky trip to Lesotho to face Lioli FC. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men will aim to carry domestic momentum into continental football, leaning on their squad depth and attacking firepower.

Lioli, the Lesotho champions, will view this as their biggest stage and are expected to play with intensity in front of their supporters. While Pirates are overwhelming favourites on paper, the conditions and travel factor make this a potential banana skin.

Betting odds: Lioli FC 8.00 | Draw 3.50 | Orlando Pirates 0.33

Prediction: Lioli 0-2 Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Durban City @ Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, 8pm

Sundowns host Durban City FC on Saturday at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, Pretoria. After their midweek draw against lowly Marumo Gallants, Sundowns will be looking to respond strongly against City.

Sundowns were underwhelming and will need to step up their level against a City side boosted by a return to form. They defeated Siwelele 2-0 to snap a three-game winless streak, which included two draws and a defeat.

Playing against a Gavin Hunt-led team is always challenging, and with Sundowns battling to find their best form, City could hold the strong Sundowns line-up to a draw. The midweek clash against struggling Siwelele should prove an ideal warm-up game for City.

Betting odds: Mamelodi Sundowns FC 0.25 | Draw 4.20 | Durban City 13

Prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Durban City 0