Soccer
Marumo Gallants vs Orlando Pirates Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Friday, March 1, 2025 Kickoff Time: 18:45 (SAST) Venue: Free State Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein The Betway Premiership clash between Marumo Gallants and Orlando Pirates is set to take place on Friday, March 1, 2025, with kickoff at 18:45 (SAST). Marumo Gallants look to improve their struggling league campaign when they host title hopefuls Orlando Pirates at their home ground at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. For football fans looking to explore soccer betting sites in South Africa and analyze the odds, visit SportsBoom.
Orlando Pirates' Spanish coach Jose Riviero//Getty Images
Pre-Game Outlook: Opposite ends of the Betway Prem vie for three points
Orlando Pirates face relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants in a crucial Betway Premiership showdown at Free State Toyota Stadium. Gallants are fighting for their lives ever so close to the relegation zone in desperation for points to secure top-flight survival. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are trying to keep up the winning ways to keep hope alive on their faint title aspirations.
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The Buccaneers will be keen to continue their winning momentum with those precious two games in hand still in their favour, while Gallants need something magical to turn their fortunes around. With Pirates winning four of their last five meetings against Gallants – including an 8-1 thumping in December – this matchup presents a steep challenge for the new Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou in his first game.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Marumo Gallants: 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
Orlando Pirates: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.1%
*Online betting courtesy of Hollywoodbets, subject to change.
Head-to-Head Record
Last Five Meetings
24/12/24: Orlando Pirates 8-1 Marumo Gallants
28/01/23: Marumo Gallants 0-2 Orlando Pirates
24/08/22: Orlando Pirates 1-0 Marumo Gallants
09/03/22: Marumo Gallants 1-1 (P) Orlando Pirates (Cup)
20/12/21: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Marumo Gallants
Marumo Gallants: Current Form – LDLLD
Marumo Gallants continue to struggle for form. Fighting the possibility of relegation in 14th with 16 points from 18 matches is not where you want to be at this stage in the competition. One win in their last five games lets us know that they might not make the push necessary to get the ball rolling.
When you consider their home record, Dan Malesela’s side have been solid, losing once in their last five games and that was at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns. It’s been relatively tight at the back, conceding twice in that run if we exclude the 3-1 loss to the defending champs.
Gallants have made three new signings this January window. Of the three, only Zimbabwean striker Junior Zindoga has featured for the side. The 26-year-old secured their 1-0 cup victory over AmaZulu but have really lacked the ability to find goals overall with just two finding the back of the net over the last five games in all comps.
Key Players to Watch
- Junior Zindoga: He has delivered confident performances since joining in January, and his efforts have been rewarded with a goal. Expect much more from the forward.
- Edgar Manaka: Although age is not on his side, at 35 years old, the defensive midfielder brings immense amounts of experience to the side.
- Gabadinho Mhango: One thing is for certain, he knows how to find the net, currently leading the club standings on three goals.
Marumo Gallants Team News
New signing Junior Dion, after making his debut against Richards Bay at the beginning of February, has since been out with an undisclosed injury.
Orlando Pirates: Current Form – WWLWW
It is still mathematically possible to win the league, and with two games in hand, they remain in second place in the standings with the gap between themselves and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns now at 12 points. They bounced back after the demoralising 4-1 defeat to Sundowns, which could have really turned the tide in their favour with a big cup victory over Baroka (3-1), and a hard-fought three points earned over Cape Town City (2-1) which also marked the halfway point of the Bucs’ Premiership campaign.
Nobody is denying the ability of Jose Riveiro as he is set to finish second for the third straight season since his arrival at the club. Most are focusing on his push in the cups because Sundowns are just that much harder to beat in the league. His balance between build-up play and counter-attacking football has allowed the team to shine, but defensively on the bigger stages, they have failed.
Key Players to Watch
- Tshegofatso Mabasa: The Bucs striker has had success against Gallants in the past, scoring a hat-trick this past December, and crosses paths with them just a week after bagging his second treble of the season.
- Relebohile Mofokeng: The winger’s ability to find space to put the cross in and cut in to neatly find his teammates has found him assisting four goals this season – the most of any Pirates player.
- Sipho Chaine: The goalkeeper has a strong defence to thank for his lead in the most clean sheets this season (7), but his shot-stopping is not the only highlight. He has been coach Riveiro’s talisman for distribution from the back.
Orlando Pirates Team News
Pirates’ Kabelo Dlamini returns after a one-match suspension. That department is also bolstered by the return of Thalente Mbatha along with Goodman Mosele; both fit after spells on the sidelines.
Predicted Line-Up
Marumo Gallants, 4-2-3-1: Arubi; Sibanda, Ndlovu, Mvelase, Ramabu; Zindoga, Mabotja; Manaka, Motebang, Sitole; Dion.
Orlando Pirates, 4-2-3-1: Chaine; van Rooyen, Xoki, Sibisi, Mako; Makhaula, Dlamini; Mofokeng, Maswanganyi, Hotto; Mabasa.
Suggested Bets
Orlando Pirates to Win: Pirates have won four of the last five meetings.
Over 2.5 Goals: Pirates’ attack has been potent, scoring 13 goals in their last five matches.
Get competitive odds at Betway closer to kick-off
Value Bets
Orlando Pirates -1 Handicap: Given their 8-1 win last time, a comfortable victory is likely.
Both Teams to Score (No): Marumo Gallants have scored in three of their last four matches.
Over 1.5 Goals in the 2nd Half: Pirates tend to score more after half-time, scoring six of their last nine after the break.
Check 10Bet's odds for great value!
Prediction: Orlando Pirates to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Marumo Gallants have struggled both offensively and defensively this season, while Orlando Pirates are in fine form despite their demoralising defeat to Sundowns. Pirates’ attacking firepower, led by Tshegofatso Mabasa, should prove too much for a struggling Gallants side. Expect a dominant display from the visitors.
Joshua Gaillard is a freelance editor and dedicated Arsenal fan, known for creating fact-based, insightful content. His work, featured on top South African websites, blends analysis with engaging storytelling for clear, impactful articles.
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