Orlando Pirates will be looking to avenge their earlier defeat to Cape Town City when they host the Citizens at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, February 22. The Buccaneers are chasing Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Premiership, while City are fighting for a place in next season’s MTN8.
Cape Town City (8.00) have been inconsistent under Muhsin Ertugral. They started 2025 strongly but have struggled in recent weeks. Orlando Pirates (1.43), meanwhile, are aiming to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Sundowns. The Buccaneers (6.59) are now a long way behind Sundowns (1.10) in terms of the Easybet odds but still within reach as far as the Premiership table goes.
Pirates vs Cape Town City: Form Guide
Pirates have won 11 and lost three of their 14 Premiership games this season. Despite losing to City last time out, they have remained strong in the title race. However, their 4-1 defeat to Sundowns was a significant setback.
City have been far less consistent. They started 2025 with wins over Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates but have struggled since. Back-to-back defeats have left them in 10th place, making a top-eight finish uncertain.
Cape Town City have picked up just one point from their last four league matches. However, they have a secret weapon that might come in handy. Emile Witbooi became the youngest player to make a Cape Town City squad at 16 years, and 174 days. Witbooi was recently on trial at Premier League giants Chelsea.
Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi will likely pull the strings for Orlando Pirates, with Maswanganyi bringing flair and Mofokeng adding a key creative touch.
The Mabasa Effect
After his hat-trick against Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup round of 16, Tshegofatso Mabasa is now Pirates’ second-highest goalscorer of all time with 44 goals, sitting behind only Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi.
“As a striker, I pride myself with the chances I score and being able to leave a legacy at this club would be great,” he said after Pirates were drawn against SuperSport United in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
“Pirates being the club I supported from a very young age, it would mean a lot to me and it is something I am chasing.
On their cup meeting with SuperSport, Mabasa said though Pirates had beaten Matsatsantsa twice this season — 3-1 in extra time of their MTN8 quarterfinal in August and 2-0 at home in the league in October — it will be a different ball game this time around.
“We know there is no easy team in the last eight of a cup competition. Whoever wants it more will be the team that goes through to the next round.
“We have played them twice this season and we have managed to beat them. We know this is going to be a completely different game but the boys and the coaches will be ready and hopefully, we can go all the way to defend the title.”
Team News
Both teams will be missing key players due to suspension. Lebo Manyama is unavailable for City, while Pirates boss José Riveiro will have to cope without Kabelo Dlamini. City will also be without a new signing Thulani Serero, who is still finalising his move.
Pirates have been dealing with an injury crisis, especially in defence. Tapelo Xoki returned from injury against Sundowns, but Thabiso Sesane and Olisa Ndah remain sidelined. However, Thalente Mbatha is fit and could feature.
Match Prediction
Pirates are clear favourites at home. They are stronger on paper and have a point to prove after their recent loss to Sundowns. City, however, will be determined to complete a league double over the Buccaneers.
With both teams missing key players, the battle in midfield could be decisive. Pirates have more depth and attacking firepower, but City’s defence has the ability to frustrate them. Expect a close contest, but Pirates should have the edge.
