Orlando Pirates might face a tricky couple of weeks after a shock defeat to Magesi FC last weekend.
Having gone unbeaten in over 10 games this season, the Buccaneers hosted Magesi this past Saturday in the Carling Knockout Cup. Many expected the Sea RObbers to cruise past the Limpopo side given their cup pedigree but that was not the case. Clinton Larsen’s side were 3-0 up by half-time and despite a late charge from Orlando Pirates, Magesi held on to secure a famous 3-2 win over the Ghosts.
Pirates secured the MTN8 title for the third successive season after beating Stellebosch FC 2-1 in the final. Last season, they also started the season well, winning the MTN8 but their league form dropped thereafter.
It seems Jose Riveiro’s side are still nursing a hangover from the MTN8 triumph and might pay the price in the coming weeks.
On Tuesday, the Sea Robbers host SuperSport United, who seem to be struggling this season. Pirates and United will be crossing paths for the second time this season after opening their campaign with an MTN8 quarter-final clash at Orlando Stadium. It was the hosts who prevailed on that occasion, winning 3-1 in extra time after the first 90 minutes finished deadlocked at a goal apiece.
Orlando Pirates’ defeat to Magesi can break them even further
Both Matsatsantsa and Pirates were eliminated from the Carling KO this past weekend. Gavin Hunt knows that he can’t afford to lose back-to-back games against the Buccaneers and Kaizer Chiefs.
Overall, matches between the two sides have been fiercely contested with very little to choose between them in the past 20 years. Pirates do however hold the edge at Orlando Stadium, having won nine of the last 20 games, losing five times and drawing the other six.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro needs a quick remedy for his players following the Magesi lesson.
Can Pirates bounce back on Tuesday?
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