DStv Premiership outfit Orlando Pirates are aiming to do better this upcoming campaign after finishing the previous campaign in third spot, behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns and nemesis Kaizer Chiefs.
Related story: BREAKING: Pirates dump 8 players!
Jozef Zinnbauer has strengthened his squad by roping in five new players for the new campaign, simultaneously releasing eight who were deemed surplus to requirements at the Mayfair outfit.
Here’s a look at the Buccaneers’ first five league fixtures, and how they fared last season against their respective opponents:
Saturday 24 October 2020
AmaZulu FC vs Orlando Pirates Jonsson Kings Park 20:15 TV
The last time these two sides clashed was in January 2020 when Gabadinho Mhango struck in the 90th minute to hand Bucs a deserved narrow 1-0 victory over Usuthu.
Wednesday 28 October 2020
Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch FC Orlando Stadium 19:30 TV
The Sea Robbers grabbed another late goal which came through an unlikely source – Fortune Makaringe – after being set up by Tshegofatso Mabasa to see out a 1-0 win.
Tuesday 3 November 2020
Bloemfontein Celtic vs Orlando Pirates Dr Molemela Stadium 19:30 TV
Despite taking an early lead through Gabadinho Mhango, Pirates were pegged back with just 10 minutes to go as Siphelele Luthuli equalized for Phunya Sele Sele to see the tie end 1-1.
Saturday 21 November 2020
Orlando Pirates vs SuperSport United Orlando Stadium 18:00 TV
This fixture has proven to be a daunting one for the Buccaneers over the years, and having lost the first clash 3-0, Zinnbauer’s charges got their revenge in the reverse fixture when Vincent Pule and Zakhele Lepasa struck on each side of the half to claim a hard-fought 2-1 win, with Luke Fleurs getting the consolation for Matsatsantsa.
Saturday 28 November 2020
Orlando Pirates vs Baroka FC Orlando Stadium 15:30 TV
Bakgaga have always given Pirates a hard time whenever these two sides met, and both sides will be out to cancel each other out this time around especially after playing to draws in both home and away fixtures last season (2-2 and 1-1).
