Pirates face tough decision
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By Mark Gleeson
Orlando Pirates are in the driving seat in the battle for the runner-up berth in the DStv Premiership this season after a run of six successive league wins has propelled them into second place.
But the Buccaneers could be knocked out of second spot tonight when SuperSport United host Stellenbosch in Pretoria, even if just for 24 hours.
With Mamelodi Sundowns having romped to a runaway league triumph, the tussle beneath them has taken over the fans’ attention as the second placed team earns a ticket to the next African Champions League.
Pirates’ win over TS Galaxy on Sunday saw them move to 49 points but if SuperSport beat Stellenbosch, then Gavin Hunt’s side will go to 50 points with two games remaining.
Overcoming the in-form Stellenbosch would be no mean feat although coach Steve Barker is likely to leave out some key players with an eye on Sunday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final against Sekhukhune United.
Pirates are also in the last four of the cup and play Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday. Before that derby clash, however, they have a league meeting tomorrow afternoon at home to Royal AM.
It is a game they should win.
There is always the possibility that, come the completion of the midweek matches, Pirates have extended their advantage in second place, and effectively sealed their Champions League berth.
But there will also be the temptation to rest players tomorrow with an eye on Saturday’s Soccer City cup spectacle. It is a difficult dilemma for coach Jose Riveiro.
At the other end of the table, the battle to avoid relegation has effectively come down to three clubs – Chippa United, Maritzburg United and Marumo Gallants.
Bottom placed Maritzburg (25 points) host Gallants (28) tomorrow in what must be their last chance to salvage their topflight status. They had a host of chances for victory last Friday at Swallows but blew it and effectively must win this one.
They play a Gallants side who are on a seven-match unbeaten run but will be exhausted by their exertions on Sunday when they reached the African Confederation Cup semi-final by holding off the Egyptian club Pyramids.
Chippa, who have 26 points and are second from bottom, are away at Richards Bay seeking to snap a run of four successive defeats. Their hosts have not won a game since January which will give Chippa some hope, although the side from the Eastern Cape might not have enough in their armoury.