Orlando Pirates take on Highlands Park in their opening match of the 2018-19 season, and while they are strong favourites to walk away with all the points, the PSL returnees have given them a hard time in the past.
The Buccaneers have made several new signings, while a few others have been released.
Sredojevic has given a little away since his team's return from the off-season as they have played all their pre-season friendlies behind closed doors.
Highlands Park are also a closed book, but they have kept the majority of players who helped them secure promotion from the National First Division.
| Game | Orlando Pirates vs Highlands Park |
| Date | Saturday, August 04 |
| Time | 8:15pm SA Time |
TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch
In South Africa, the game will be shown live on SuperSport 4.
Next Match
| How to watch? | TV channel |
|---|---|
| Live on TV | SS4 |
Squads & Team News
| Positions | Missing players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Brilliant Khuzwayo (injured) |
| Midfielders | Abel Mabaso (suspeded), Thabo Qalinge (doubtful) |
| Forward | Thabiso Kutumela (recovering), Thembinkosi Lorch (doubtful) |
Orlando Pirates fans will have to wait a little longer to see Brilliant Khuzwayo on the pitch as he's currently nursing an injury which will keep him out of action for next three to four weeks.
Thabo Qalinge and Thembinkosi Lorch are doubtful for the team's opening match of the campaign after picking knocks during the pre-season.
On the other hand, Abel Mabaso is suspended, and he will have to serve his two-match ban after being red-carded on the final day of the season whilst at Chippa United.
Thabiso Kutumela recently returned to the training grounds after recovering from an injury that kept him out of action during the second half of the season.
Potential Pirates XI: Mpontshane; Nyauza, Maela, Munetsi, Jele; Nyatama, Mntambo, Memela; Shonga, Mulenga, Gabuza.
Highlands Park have little to worry about in terms of suspensions and injuries.
This means coach Owen Da Gama may field his strongest possible line-up against the Sea Robbers.
Potential Highlands Park XI: Kazapua ; Komane, Fransman, Theron, Sibande; Mbunjana, Sithole, Ramoraka, Mvala; Khwela, Sekola.
Match Preview
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Pirates finished last season as runners-up, and they will be looking to build on that as the season starts.
However, they have to be cautious against the Lions of the North simply because their last two games didn't produce the winner.
The two teams have met three times in the past with Pirates winning one while the other two matches ended in draws.
What's encouraging is that there are always goals whenever these two meet, meaning both sets of fans can brace themselves for an encounter filled with goals.
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