Pirates, Wits headline Absa Premiership games

from SAVIOUS KWINIKA in Johannesburg, South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – RESURGENT Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, who lead the 16-team Absa Premier Soccer League (PSL) table, will face their stiffest challenge thus far when they tackle defending champions Bidvest Wits on Saturday.

The newly transformed Buccaneers will lead its bandwagon of supporters to Braamfontein’s Bidvest Wits Stadium against the Clever Boys in a match that promises fireworks.

Kick-off is at 18:00.

Victory over Bidvest Wits this Saturday will see Orlando Pirates maintain a comfortable lead in their early bid to revive strong hopes of winning the 2017/18 premiership title.

Pirates boast a slender 1-0 midweek win against Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium.

In the absence of Zimbabwean international forward, Tendai Ndoro, who joined Saudi Arabia club Al Faisaly FC in August, the side will once again rely on rejuvenated Thabo Qalinge, Ghanaian Bernard Morrison and Thamsanqa Gabuza.

On the other hand defending but struggling holders- Wits will be looking forward to their Egyptian forward Amr Gamal to restore lost pride.

Another Wits player to watch is Reeve Frosler.

Elsewhere, Kaizer Chiefs will host second-placed Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium also on Saturday.

Amakhosi will place their hopes on goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, hard tackling midfielder Willard Katsande and leading scorer, Siphiwe Tshabalala.

On the other hand, Golden Arrows have their ammunition in prolific scorers Lerato Lamola and the Zimbabwean duo of Kudakwashe Mahachi and Knox Mtizwa.

The league resumes on Friday with a clash featuring Cape Town City and Polokwane City in the resort town. It rounds up with Chippa United-Bloemfontein Celtic duel at Nelson Mandela Bay on Sunday.

Full fixtures:
22nd September 2017
Cape Town City FC vs Polokwane City (Cape Town Stadium @ 20h00)

23rd September 2017
Baroka FC vs Ajax Cape Town (Peter Mokaba Stadium @ 15h00)
Bidvest Wits vs Orlando Pirates (Bidvest Stadium @ 18h00)
Kaizer Chiefs vs Golden Arrows (FNB Stadium @ 20h00)
AmaZulu FC vs Platinum Stars (King Zwelithini Stadium @ 20h15)

24th September 2017
Chippa United vs Bloemfontein Celtic (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium @ 15h00).

– CAJ News