Soccer
Polokwane City vs Orlando Pirates Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: April 5, 2025 Kick-off Time: 15:00 Venue: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane SportsBoom previews the highly anticipated Betway Premiership match between Polokwane City and Orlando Pirates at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday, 5 April 2025. With the Betway Premiership match fast approaching, there’s no better time to focus on the finer details which are key to successful betting at the best soccer betting sites.
Orlando Pirates starting eleven poses//Getty Images
Orlando Pirates switch their focus back to the Betway Premiership following their trip to Algeria for CAF Champions League action. Coach Jose Riveiro encountered a tough task in the reverse fixture against Polokwane City, with Evidence Makgopa scoring the solitary goal of the match to seal maximum points for the Buccaneers.
Meanwhile, Polokwane City have their own aspirations of representing South Africa in continental football next season alongside Orlando Pirates. The Limpopo club returned to winning ways with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Richards Bay FC, arresting their seven-game winless streak before the international break.
This match features some of the best talent South Africa has to offer, namely Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng – players that fill up stadiums with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Mzansi’s favourite heroes live in action.
We’re set for a thrilling encounter, with tickets expected to be sold out at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Let’s delve deeper into our match preview.
PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY
PIRATES FIRM FAVOURITES
HOME: 360/100 (4.60) – 21,7%
DRAW: 230/100 (3.30) – 30,3%
AWAY: 83/100 (1.83) – 54,6%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Last Five Meetings (PSL)
24/09/24: Orlando Pirates 3-0 Polokwane City
02/03/24: Polokwane City 0-1 Orlando Pirates
27/10/23: Orlando Pirates 1-1 Polokwane City
07/01/20: Polokwane City 1-4 Orlando Pirates
26/11/19: Orlando Pirates 3-2 Polokwane City
POLOKWANE CITY: CURRENT FORM – WLLDD
Polokwane City were flying at the beginning of the season with their sights firmly set on a top three finish in the Betway Premiership (behind Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates), punching Rise and Shine’s ticket to CAF Confederations Cup football on the continental stage next season.
However, prior to the international break, Polokwane City faced a torrid spell of results that could have derailed the Limpopo club’s initial hopes. They went winless in seven Betway Premiership matches after suffering four defeats to Richards Bay FC (2-0), Magesi FC (0-1), Golden Arrows (0-1), and Chippa United (2-0).
This dip in form was largely down to their inability to find the back of the net, scoring just once in this seven-game period. Coach Phuti Mohafe’s efforts during the two-week international break yielded a return to winning ways with Rise and Shine giving a good account of themselves in the 3-1 victory over Richards Bay FC.
Defender Lebohang Nkaki opened the scoring for Polokwane City, with Richards Bay FC equalizing shortly after resuming the second half. Dynamic winger Mokibelo Ramabu regained the lead with a terrific looping header over the Natal Rich Boys goalkeeper following a set piece.
Oswin Appollis’ silky skills were too much to handle for tiring defenders in the latter stages of the game, outsmarting everyone in the box. He earned his team a penalty with Nkaki sealing maximum points from the penalty spot.
The victory was much welcomed, seeing as Polokwane City find themselves competing in a six-horse race together with Stellenbosch FC, TS Galaxy, Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs for the coveted third position with just five points separating these teams as we reach the business end of the campaign.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Oswin Appollis: One of the most enjoyable South African footballers to watch, Appollis is easy on the eye. He effortlessly glides past opponents along the left flank, creating havoc with his short passing combination play and vision to find an assist. Appollis’ vision was highlighted during his Bafana Bafana cameo appearance off the bench, bagging an assist in the 2-0 win against Benin, courtesy of a precisely delivered cross onto the head of Jayden Adams.
- Mokibelo Ramabu: If Appollis contributes with excellent crosses, his teammate on the opposite flank, Ramabu, knows how to head them home. Displaying his quality with a well-executed header against Richards Bay FC will give the industrious winger confidence for this crucial clash. Both Appollis and Ramabu were on the scoresheet as Kaizer Chiefs left Limpopo empty-handed, suffering a 2-0 loss to Polokwane City.
- Bonginkosi Dlamini: The focal point of attack, Dlamini is key to holding onto possession and orchestrating transitions from defence to attack. Fantastic under the long balls played out from the goalkeeper, constantly bringing his creative teammates into the game. The Eswatini forward, who is yet to score a Betway Premiership goal in front of his home crowd, is now presented with the perfect opportunity to inspire a giant killing.
POLOKWANE CITY TEAM NEWS
Prior to kick off against Richards Bay FC, coach Phuti Mohafe emphasized that his team were playing well but simply not scoring enough goals. Opting for changes in the form of Nyakala Raphadu starting ahead of Thato Letshedi in the attacking midfield role.
Cole Alexander lost his starting position to midfield enforcer Ndamulelo Maphangule, with both Letshedi and Alexander featuring as second-half substitutes. At the heart of defence, Bulelani Nikani lost his starting position to Francis Baloyi, making only his second start of the season.
Meanwhile, Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Okoth Bwire has been chosen as the last line of defence for the past six Betway Premiership matches over Equatorial Guinea’s Manuel Sapunga. Healthy competition for starting XI places within a squad is essential for any team aiming to reach new heights as Rise and Shine grow from strength to strength.
ORLANDO PIRATES: CURRENT FORM – WDWLW
Orlando Pirates will undoubtedly have one eye on the second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final clash, playing host to Algerian champions MC Alger just four days after this match.
This could potentially result in the Buccaneers’ coach Jose Riveiro ringing the changes, seeing as Orlando Pirates have accumulated an eight-point advantage over third-placed Stellenbosch FC in the standings, having played three fewer games.
The visitors’ possible weakness this season lies in their inability to score on their travels. Away from the Orlando Stadium, the Buccaneers have only scored a mere eight goals in nine matches. That’s quite a way off the required pace set by perennial league champions Mamelodi Sundowns (20 goals scored from 12 away games).
Orlando Pirates have been impeccable on home soil, winning seven straight matches across all competitions against Marumo Gallants (8-1), Stade d'Abidjan (3-0), CR Belouizdad (2-1), Kaizer Chiefs (1-0), Baroka FC (3-1), Cape Town City (2-1), and most impressively, Mamelodi Sundowns (2-1).
However, on their travels, it hasn’t been the same level of perfection. Just managing two wins from their last six away games in the Betway Premiership. They beat Sekhukhune United (1-2) and Chippa United (0-1) while failing to claim maximum points at Cape Town City (1-0), Mamelodi Sundowns (4-1), Marumo Gallants (2-0), and Stellenbosch FC (0-0).
Orlando Pirates’ last three away games in the Betway Premiership have disappointingly only seen them score once, courtesy of defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, claiming maximum points in Gqeberha against Chippa United.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Relebohile Mofokeng: Another one of the most enjoyable South African footballers to watch, Mofokeng has been in sensational form for club and country. The 20-year-old earned a place in the Bafana Bafana starting XI after clinically putting away his two chances early in the match during the shock upset over champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Mofokeng then went on to inspire South Africa to a 2-0 victory over Lesotho, furthering his nation’s aim of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Tshegofatso Mabasa: If away goals are difficult to score currently, look no further than Orlando Pirates’ spearhead Mabasa, who scored the winner against Al Ahly in Egypt earlier this year. The striker’s instincts always find him at the right place at the right time and will prove even more crucial with Evidence Makgopa sidelined through injury.
- Monnapule Saleng: Yet to play in 2025 due to issues currently under the surface at Orlando Pirates, Saleng could easily regain his confidence in this type of match. With coach Jose Riveiro possibly opting for a squad rotation, prioritizing the upcoming CAF Champions League match, this game could serve as the perfect opportunity to reintroduce Saleng into the first team. An incredibly gifted player who could surely assist in acquiring a second star on the famous black and white jersey.
ORLANDO PIRATES TEAM NEWS
Striker Evidence Makgopa remains doubtful after picking up a knock in the win over Mamelodi Sundowns, while the biggest concern will be the return to fitness of playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi, who was forced to withdraw from international duty due to an injury.
Central defender Thabiso Sesane has reportedly drawn interest from French Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier with consistent performances in the heart of defence. Meanwhile, midfielder Miguel Timm has returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, having yet to play a competitive match for the Buccaneers in 2025.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Polokwane City: 4-2-3-1
Bwire; Makhubela, Baloyi, Nkaki, Ndlovu; Kambala, Maphangule; Ramabu, Raphadu, Appollis; Dlamini.
Orlando Pirates: 4-2-3-1
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mosele; Nkota, Saleng, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
SUGGESTED BETS
If you enjoy betting on the Betway Premiership, there are several top soccer betting sites where you can place your bets and cash in your profit. These platforms provide a wealth of betting options alongside generous welcome bonuses designed to maximize your initial deposit.
Orlando Pirates To Score In Both Halves - No: This option has come through with flying colours in six of the last seven away matches for Orlando Pirates. We suggest following the trend. (31/100 with Betway) (32/100 with Hollywoodbets) (30/100 with Supabets)
Orlando Pirates Total Under 1.5 Goals: In recent visits to the Old Peter Mokaba stadium, Orlando Pirates have easily scored two goals or more. However, given their CAF Champions League match looming large and Polokwane City experiencing an upturn in form, this seems the smartest bet. (48/100 with Betway) (49/100 with Hollywoodbets) (50/100 with Supabets)
Orlando Pirates To Win Both Halves - No: On current form, Orlando Pirates have failed to win both halves of the match in four of their most recent away games. Making this another tempting offer for betting enthusiasts. (50/100 with Betway) (52/100 with Hollywoodbets) (51/100 with Supabets)
VALUE BETS
Polokwane City To Win Either Half - Yes: The most probable upset of the weekend comes in this fixture. Polokwane City have quality that could hurt Orlando Pirates if they play a significantly weakened starting XI. Having a punt at Rise and Shine to win either half could prove lucrative. (150/100 with Betway) (151/100 with Hollywoodbets) (149/100 with Supabets)
Double Chance & Both Teams To Score – Polokwane City/Draw & Yes: Seeking the most value on offer, we shortlist this option. Giving Polokwane City the possibility to win or draw, coupled with both teams to score. The greater the risk, the greater the reward. (310/100 with Betway) (309/100 with Stake) (311/100 with Supabets)
PREDICTION: POLOKWANE CITY TO WIN
Orlando Pirates have more quality and depth within their squad compared the Polokwane City. However, the bigger prize at stake is the CAF Champions League quarter-final match against MC Alger in the upcoming days. It will be difficult to estimate the amount of squad rotation enforced by coach Jose Riveiro.
Polokwane City will aim to pounce on this opportunity, potentially playing a less-than-full-strength Orlando Pirates with the Buccaneers’ best players possibly named on the bench instead of the starting XI.
Rise and Shine returned to winning ways last weekend but a victory over second-placed Orlando Pirates could be exactly the boost needed to bolster their aspirations of qualifying for CAF Confederations Cup football under the tutelage of coach Phuti Mohafe.
Bryan Naicker is an enthusiastic sports writer, specializing in football and cricket. Completely in love with the quality of UEFA Champions League, Spanish La Liga and English Premier League football. However, been known to dabble in less popular leagues, providing previews, tips and analysis for various sports betting websites.
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