Title race tension: Pirates sweat over key absentees ahead of Galaxy trip

Orlando Pirates face a defining moment in their Betway Premiership title charge this Sunday as they travel to the Mbombela Stadium to take on a stubborn TS Galaxy side.

However, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men will have to navigate this Rockets test on Sunday afternoon without some of their most trusted lieutenants.

The Sea Robbers find themselves in a high-pressure “catch-up” game after slipping up in a 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC last weekend. That result opened the door for defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who seized the opportunity by defeating Marumo Gallants 3-1 on Tuesday.

As it stands, Masandawana hold a slender two-point lead at the summit (50 points), leaving the second-placed Buccaneers (48 points) with no margin for error in Mpumalanga if they hope to head into the FIFA break as league leaders.

THE INJURY ROOM: MIXED BAG FOR PIRATES

The club confirmed on Saturday that while there is light at the end of the tunnel for some, others remain firmly on the treatment table.

Sihle Nduli: The midfield anchor, who was instrumental in Pirates’ MTN8 and Carling Knockout triumphs earlier this season, remains sidelined. Nduli’s absence is a significant blow to the spine of the team, given he racked up 18 appearances before his injury.

Tapelo Xoki: The veteran defender is still unavailable and is yet to feature this season, leaving a void in leadership and aerial presence at the back.

Selaelo Rasebotja: In a rare bit of positive news, Rasebotja is nearing a competitive return. The midfielder has resumed full training and could be a vital “new signing” for the final stretch of the season.

Despite the injury concerns, the Buccaneers arrive in Mpumalanga backed by an incredible record on their travels. Pirates haven’t lost a league match away from home since the opening month of the 2025/26 season—a run spanning nine matches.

“The Buccaneers have clinched 23 out of an available 30 points on their travels,” the club noted in an official statement. “A win in their last fixture before the upcoming league hiatus will edge them back on top of the standings heading into the FIFA break.”

With maximum points non-negotiable, the depth of Riveiro’s squad will be tested to its limits against a Galaxy side notorious for being difficult to break down on their own turf.