PRE-MATCH WARM-UP: PACKED DSTV PREMIERSHIP MATCHDAY AWAITS

PRE MATCH WARM-UP, DStv Premiership 2021/22, Saturday 21 August:

ORLANDO PIRATES VS STELLENBOSCH

Both teams head into this match on the back of new signings this week, with Bucs signing Ntsako Makhubela from Golden Arrows and Stellies revealing the signing of Judas Mosemaedi from Maritzburg United.

Ironically, both sides have also seen significant exits with Orlando Pirates parting ways with head coach Josef Zinnbauer, and winger Leletu Skelem leaving Stellenbosch to join Maritzburg United.

Previous results between the teams has produced close encounters, with each team claiming one each and two draws ahead of their league opener today.

11/05/21, Stellenbosch - Orlando Pirates       0 : 0  (0 : 0) (0 : 0)
28/10/20, Orlando Pirates - Stellenbosch     1 : 1  (1 : 1) (0 : 0)
05/09/20, Orlando Pirates - Stellenbosch    1 : 0  (1 : 0) (0 : 0)
26/10/19, Stellenbosch - Orlando Pirates      1 : 0  (1 : 0) (0 : 0)

Key players: Ben Motshwari, Vincent Pule (Bucs) Stanley Dimgba, Judas Mosemaedi (Stellies)

GOLDEN ARROWS VS MARITZBURG UNITED

Abafana Bes'thende have won three of the last five clashes against Maritzburg United, with the Team of Choice claiming victory in their final league clash.

Arrows have made a number of lesser known siginings from the GladAfrica Championship, to compensate for the losses of Divine Lunga to Mamelodi Sundowns and recently Ntsako Makhubela to Orlando Pirates.

United will be buoyed by their recent KZN Premier's Cup truimph over Amazulu as well as the acquisition of exciting winger Leletu Skelem from Stellenbosch.

The two teams last played to a goalless draw in a league clash back in December 2017.

12/05/21, Maritzburg United - Golden Arrows     3 : 2  (1 : 0) (2 : 2)
30/01/21, Golden Arrows - Maritzburg United     2 : 1  (0 : 1) (2 : 0)
03/01/20, Maritzburg United - Golden Arrows    2 : 1  (0 : 1) (2 : 0)
04/08/19, Golden Arrows - Maritzburg United    1 : 0  (0 : 0) (1 : 0)
06/01/19, Golden Arrows - Maritzburg United     2 : 0  (1 : 0) (1 : 0)

Key players: Sifiso Mlungwana, Pule Mmodi (Arrows), Rowan Human, Bongokuhle Hlongwane (United)

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CAPE TOWN CITY VS SUPERSPORT UNITED

The Citizens have enjoyed a slight edge over Matsatsantsa in their recent league clashes, winning three of their last five encounters, including their last clash in April. 

Both sides have retained their core players from last season, with City doing more recruiting in the transfer market, including three new goalkeepers.

United have decided to promote youth players to the senior squad and have added the experience of former Bidvest Wits and Bafana Bafana defender Buhle Mkhwanazi, 31, who joined as a free agent.

The two teams last played to a goalless draw in a league clash back in April 2018.

10/04/21, Cape Town City - SuperSport United    3 : 0  (1 : 0) (2 : 0)
13/02/21, SuperSport United - Cape Town City     2 : 1  (1 : 0) (1 : 1)
05/09/20, Cape Town City - SuperSport United   1 : 0  (0 : 0) (1 : 0)
14/09/19, SuperSport United - Cape Town City    3 : 3  (2 : 2) (1 : 1)
05/01/19, SuperSport United - Cape Town City    0 : 1  (0 : 0) (0 : 1)

Key players: Mduduzi Mdantsane, Thato Mokeke (City), Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams (United)

BAROKA VS MARUMO GALLANTS

The two sides have only met twice in the league, when Marumo Gallants was still known as Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, with TTM walking away with four points from their clashes last season.

Both sides have made a number of low profile signings to bolster their squad's after losing key players in defender Alred Ndengane, who joined Maritzburg United from Gallants, and midfielder Goodman Mosele who has joined Orlando Pirates.

18/05/21, Baroka - Tshakhuma Madzivhadila    0 : 0  (0 : 0) (0 : 0)
22/11/20, Tshakhuma Madzivhadila - Baroka     1 : 0  (0 : 0) (1 : 0)

Key players: Evidence Makgopa, Gerald Phiri Jnr (Baroka), Thabo Mnyamane, Lehlohonolo Nonyane (Gallants)

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SEKHUKHUNE UNITED VS CHIPPA UNITED

These two teams will be facing each other for the first time, with both having made a number of new signings ahead of the new season after Sekhukhune's promotion to the PSL and Chippa United also retaining their PSL status via the play-off's.

Key players: Yusuf Maart, Willard Katsande (Sekhukhune), Moloisane Mokhele, Riaan Hanamub (Chippa)