Betway Premiership preview: Pirates ready for Polokwane showdown

Orlando Pirates dropped a bombshell on Wednesday night, announcing that head coach Jose Riveiro will depart at the season's end. The Spaniard, who has guided the Buccaneers with flair since 2022, cited personal reasons for his exit, including a desire to return to Spain.

"My priority right now is on our upcoming match against Polokwane City. This is a tough match that needs our undivided attention," Riveiro said, brushing aside talk of his departure. "The season is far from over, and we have a lot of work to do."

Despite the upheaval, Pirates are in solid form. They head into this fixture unbeaten in their last three league outings and fresh off a 1-0 CAF Champions League victory over MC Alger.

Sitting second in the Betway Premiership with four games in hand, they trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 15 points but remain in the title hunt.

Polokwane City, meanwhile, are riding high after snapping a seven-game winless run with a 3-1 triumph over Richards Bay last Sunday. The victory at their home fortress lifted them to sixth place with 34 points from 23 matches.

Coach Phuti Mohafe hailed the result as a timely boost. "It's a relief for us to score three and grab the points," he said. "This win is a confidence booster going into the next match, but we can't relax against a big team like Pirates."

Pirates have leaned on their attacking depth this season. Relebohile Mofokeng, a dazzling talent with flair to spare, has tormented defences and could be the key to unlocking Polokwane's backline. Up top, Tshegofatso Mabasa, with five league goals, and Evidence Makgopa, with four, are proven threats who could punish any slip-ups.

For Polokwane City, Lebohang Nkaki stands out as the man to watch. The versatile star bagged a brace against Richards Bay and earned Man of the Match honours. His confidence will be sky-high as Rise and Shine look to upset the Soweto giants.

The history books favour Pirates in this fixture. In their last five league meetings, the Buccaneers have claimed four wins, including a 3-0 thrashing earlier this season at Orlando Stadium, where Makgopa netted twice. Polokwane's lone bright spot was a 1-1 draw in 2023/24

For Pirates, this is a chance to keep the pressure on Sundowns and prove their focus remains intact amid Riveiro's looming exit. Polokwane City, the season's surprise package, have their sights set on a continental spot and will fancy their chances at home. With both teams coming off wins, expect a fierce battle in Limpopo.

Will the Buccaneers extend their dominance, or can Rise and Shine pull off a shock?