Pirates set their sights on Swallows!

Orlando Pirates head to Swallows FC in search of 3 points despite still feeling the effects of their loss from the previous weekend. The DStv Premiership match, which begins at 7pm tomorrow at Dobsonville Stadium, will feature the two Soweto teams.

The Buccaneers travel to Dobsonville Stadium furious after being defeated by Kaizer Chiefs in a lacklustre contest at FNB Stadium with a single goal scored by Olisa Ndah. Pirates’ defeat stopped them from overtaking SuperSport United in second place, and their attempt to return to the CAF Champions League was momentarily thwarted.

Even though Pirates have players who can defeat their opponents, Swallows will not want to lose at home. Especially so now that Swallows secured 3 points by defeating Chippa United 2-1 last week in Gqeberha. In order to face Swallows, the team must put the Pirates’ loss behind them, according to assistant coach Sergio Almenara. José Riveiro will make a comeback after sitting out two games because of a suspension.

“That is not pleasant for Pirates supporters, and it is the same for the players and us coaches. We can help ourselves right now by getting prepared to face off with Swallows.

“We try to take it one game at a time. We now concentrate on Swallows in front of us,” explained the assistant coach for Riveiro. A worsening factor is that Chiefs have defeated them in both of this season’s DStv Premiership games.

Due to Innocent Maela’s red card, Pirates finished the game one player short. “Due to our player receiving a red card, we were forced to make adjustments. We brought in a defender to help us since we anticipated being under pressure,” Almenara stated.

Ernst Middendorp would like to win this game in order to prevent Swallows from relegation. Once Swallows FC defeated Chippa United last weekend, his job received a boost.

DStv Premiership fixtures:

Friday: Swallows FC vs Orlando Pirates @Dobsonville Stadium, 19:30.

Saturday: Richards Bay FC vs Kaizer Chiefs @King Zwelithini Stadium, 15:30; Royal Am vs Sekhukhune United @Chatsworth Stadium, 17:30; Maritzburg United vs Cape Town City @Harry Gwala Stadium, 20:00.

Sunday: Chippa United vs AmaZulu @Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, 15:30; Marumo Gallants vs TS Galaxy @Free State Stadium, 15:30; Stellenbosch FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns @Daine Crave Stadium, 15:30; SuperSport United vs Golden Arrows @Lucas Moripe Stadium, 17:45.