Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
As part of the 27th round of the South African Premier League, Orlando Pirates will face Magesi. The clash will be held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, May 28. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 Central European Time. I’m offering a bet on the winner of this match.
Match preview
The Pirates have enjoyed a solid season. While they couldn’t really challenge Mamelodi for the league title, the team secured second place early on and have looked quite assured throughout.
The South African Cup could have been a consolation for the Buccaneers, but in the decisive match, they fell to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs and once again missed out on silverware. Interestingly, Orlando tend to perform well in head-to-head clashes with Mamelodi Sundowns, so fans are already looking forward to next season.
It’s also worth highlighting the club’s run in the CAF Champions League. Pirates sailed through the group stage, topping a group with Egypt’s Al Ahly, and then overcame MC Alger in the quarterfinals. Another Egyptian side, Pyramids, denied the South African team a spot in the final.
Big changes are looming for the squad this summer: Jose Riveiro has stepped down as head coach, prompting an active search for a new manager. One of the main candidates is former AmaZulu boss Pablo Franco Martin, with initial talks already underway. Notably, Riveiro himself is expected to take charge of one of the continent’s giants, Al Ahly of Cairo.
Magesi made history last season by earning promotion to South Africa’s top flight for the first time. Founded only in 2011, the club has made remarkable progress in a short span.
Their crowning achievement came with a League Cup triumph in 2024. Along the way, Magesi stunned both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, pulling off a true sensation.
In the Premier League itself, the team struggled for consistency. Still, they managed to secure survival, and with one game left, could even jump to as high as 8th or 9th place. To do that, they must beat a Pirates side with nothing left to play for.
Magesi conceded 30 goals in 27 matches, an average figure compared to the rest of the league. Their main issue has been a lack of attacking firepower—only Cape Town City and SuperSport United have scored fewer.
Match facts
- Orlando are unbeaten in their last four matches.
- The Pirates have lost just once in their last 14 home games.
- Magesi are winless in three consecutive matches.
- Magesi have suffered four straight away defeats.
- Orlando average 2.1 goals per game at home, while Magezi average just 0.25 goals per away game.
Probable lineups
- Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Hoki, Hotto, Mbathe, Selepe, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Nkota, Mabasa.
- Magesi: Chipezeze, Mokone, Buthelezi, Makgoga, Mokone, Abrahams, Mtshali, Matima, Vandala, Chirambadare, Sibanyoni.
H2H
- The first-round match ended with a narrow Orlando win.
- The teams have met only twice before, with one win apiece.
Prediction
Orlando are clear favorites, and this match doesn’t carry much significance for either club. Magesi have scored just four goals in away Premier League matches this season, so getting a result in Johannesburg looks like a tall order. The Buccaneers will be looking to finish the campaign on a high and should be able to avenge their League Cup defeat to the spirited newcomers. Mofokeng and company are expected to get the job done, so my pick is a home win with a -1 goal handicap.
