Thembinkosi Lorch

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on 15 January 2020 at Orlando Stadium, Pic BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu: PSL live scores, kick-off time, prediction and preview

Orlando Pirates host struggling AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium in the PSL on Saturday evening. Here’s what you should know.

Thembinkosi Lorch

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on 15 January 2020 at Orlando Stadium, Pic BackpagePix

Josef Zinnbauer’s reinvigorated Orlando Pirates host bottom-of-the-table AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers picked up a third straight victory in their last match, downing Highlands Park 3-1. Thembinkosi Lorch was back amongst the scorers while Gabadinho Mhango and Paseka Mako also netted.

“Yes, we started well in the match. I was very surprised. We improved. We’re happy now [that we’ve] won the next game,” Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV.

“Now it’s time for regeneration and then the next game is coming.”

‘Regeneration’ is an ideal word to describe Pirates’ transformation since Zinnbauer replaced Rhulani Mokwena in December.

The German has picked up four victories and one draw in five fixtures, moving Pirates within five points of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns and very much in the hunt for CAF Champions League football.

AmaZulu are in desperate need of regeneration at present, as they sit bottom of the table after three defeats and one draw in four 2020 matches.

Usuthu are reportedly in hot water with the Premier Soccer League over their treatment of referee Tshidiso Moruping, who denied them two penalties in a 1-0 loss to Maritzburg United.

For Jozef Vukusic’s men, this game is about putting a stuttering season back on track. For Pirates, it is about continuing what they have started.

Kick-off time and prediction

Kick-off time: 25 January, 18:00

Prediction: Orlando Pirates have just picked up important wins against Mamelodi Sundowns and Highlands Park at Orlando Stadium. The crowd is fully behind them and the momentum is likely to continue with victory against a struggling outfit.

The odds are stacked in Pirates’ favour. Bookies give the Buccaneers a 74% chance of victory and they usually win 57% of fixtures at these odds. AmaZulu have a 15% chance of taking three points, but generally only win 1% at this price.

Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu: Live scores and result