Durban – May 6, 2025
Orlando Pirates are set for a high-stakes clash tonight as they travel to Moses Mabhida Stadium to take on Lamontville Golden Arrows in a critical Betway Premiership encounter. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:30 SAST — and for the Buccaneers, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Currently trailing table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns by 12 points, José Riveiro’s men know that anything less than victory could all but end their hopes of mounting a late title charge. Fresh off a morale-boosting 2-1 Soweto Derby win over Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates are riding a wave of momentum and confidence.
However, they’ll have to dig deep tonight, with two key absentees threatening to unbalance the side. Defensive stalwart Nkosinathi Sibisi and midfield workhorse Thalente Mbatha are both sidelined due to suspension. Their absence leaves noticeable gaps in the Pirates’ spine, forcing Riveiro to reshuffle his squad yet again.
Golden Arrows, on the other hand, will be eyeing revenge after a disappointing run in recent weeks and will relish the chance to disrupt Pirates’ ambitions on home turf. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the Durban outfit is expected to come out swinging.
All eyes will be on Pirates’ rising stars and experienced campaigners alike. Can Zakhele Lepasa continue his scoring form? Will Patrick Maswanganyi step up in midfield to fill the void left by Mbatha?
As the title race intensifies and the season nears its climax, this fixture could prove to be a defining moment. Will the Buccaneers sail smoothly through the storm—or will the Golden Arrows shoot them down?
One thing’s certain: all roads lead to Moses Mabhida tonight.
