Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal with teammate during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 football match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Soccer City, Johannesburg on 09 November 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City: Prediction, scores, kick-off time and head-to-head
Orlando Pirates host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium in Tuesday’s clash between two troubled PSL sides. Here’s what you need to know.
Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal with teammate during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 football match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Soccer City, Johannesburg on 09 November 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates finally return to action against Polokwane City two and a half weeks after the Buccaneers’ 3-2 Soweto derby defeat to Kaizer Chiefs.
Rhulani Mokwena’s men have had plenty of time to digest that loss, but in the heat of the moment after the game, the young coach let emotions get the better of him.
“I’m extremely disappointed as a football lover that such a great spectacle is ruined by such thuggish behaviour,” Mokwena told SuperSport TV after the match.
“It’s okay to lose, OK let’s lose but don’t punch my players! I’ve got players that were kicked, punched in the face, I mean what do you say about these things. It’s thuggish behaviour,” he fumed, perhaps using a degree of artistic license.
It is understandable that Mokwena is feeling the pressure. Pirates have the worst defensive record in the league bar Cape Town City, but all factors considered, they are still better off than Polokwane City.
Rise and Shine are still on the hunt for a new coach after Zlatko Krmpotić’s exit, with Cavin Johnson and Patrick Aussems having been linked with the vacant position.
Pirates sit ninth in the league and Polokwane City 10th. All is not yet lost and both teams can use this game to reinvigorate their 2019-20 season.
Head-to-head records
These statistics include league and cup matches dating back to the 2008-09 season, when Polokwane City were known as Bay United.
| Records | Orlando Pirates | Polokwane City |
| Wins | 6 | 3 |
| Draws | 7 | 7 |
| Losses | 3 | 6 |
| Goals for | 22 | 14 |
| Goals against | 14 | 22 |
| Points | 25 | 16 |
Kick-off time and prediction
Kick-off time: Tuesday 26 November at 19:30
Prediction: Cape Town City put five goals past Polokwane City in a recent encounter, while Pirates have been leaky this season themselves. Gabadinho Mhango is a player to watch for the Buccaneers at the other end, as he is in red hot form.
Orlando Pirates should have too much quality for Polokwane City and are tipped to emerge victorious by the tightest of margins in a high-scoring thriller.
