Chippa aim to silence title holders Pirates

Chippa United will look to claim their first win of the season when they host Orlando Pirates in Sunday’s Betway Premiership clash at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

The Chilli Boys have drawn both of their opening league fixtures, including a 1-1 draw with Richards Bay at Dobsonville Stadium in midweek, and will be eager to convert draws into victories against the defending champions.

Chippa, who are currently placed eighth in the Betway Premiership standings, have shown resilience and are treating the fixture as a home game despite it being played in Durban due to pitch maintenance at Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Stadiums.

Meanwhile, Pirates dropped their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu FC on Wednesday, after opening their campaign with a win, and will look to bounce back as they aim to keep pace at the top of the table.

Currently placed second in the Betway Premiership standings - two points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs, the Buccaneers remain strong favourites heading into the clash and will be expected to dominate possession, and create the majority of chances.

Get your tickets to this soccer Spectacular https://t.co/Z683TA6tFO pic.twitter.com/DbVeDr4Tkp — Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) August 13, 2026

TEAM NEWS

Chippa United have no major new injury concerns reported, with coach Brandon Truter able to call on most of his squad as they continue to integrate new signings.

Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, are expected to be without Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha due to knee injuries, but neither side has suspensions.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Chippa United Head Coach Brandon Truter

“The Pirates game represents an opportunity for us to gauge as a team where we are because we are facing the champions," Truter said.

"So, that is motivation in itself playing Pirates; that’s a motivation for the players to put their best foot forward. We are well aware of who we are facing. I mean, they are the champions.

"They have the trophy, but we also need to put our best foot forward, and we also need to shine on the day, and that is what this game represents.”

Orlando Pirates Head Coach Abdelsam Ouaddou

“We need to wake up, some players really need to wake up quickly," Ouaddou said.

“I have to give credit to (Nkosinathi) Sibisi and (Sipho) Chaine… but the other ones really need to wake up....

“My worry is when will I recover the international players fully… Every point is important… we need quickly for our international players to land on our planet… I really need them to come to the party.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ntuthuko Mlotshwa, Chippa United: The 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship Golden Boot winner opened his account for the season with a crucial strike against Richards Bay. That goal should give the forward the confidence and hunger to trouble Orlando Pirates’ defence, and inspire the Chilli Boys to their first victory of the campaign.

Tshepang Moremi, Orlando Pirates: The Bafana Bafana international netted his second goal of the season against his former club AmaZulu FC. Familiar with the Durban surroundings from his time at AmaZulu, Moremi has the quality and sharp finishing to single-handedly decide the contest and fire the Buccaneers to three points.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Chippa 1-3 Pirates Mahlambi; Mabasa, Mabaso, Mosele

2021/22 Pirates 0-0 Chippa

2022/23 Pirates 0-1 Chippa Banda

2022/23 Chippa 0-2 Pirates Dlamini, Lorch

2023/24 Chippa 1-1 Pirates Mosele; Shandu

2023/24 Pirates 2-0 Chippa Mabasa 2 (1 pen)

2024/25 Pirates 2-1 Chippa Mabasa (pen), Saleng; Jali

2024/25 Chippa 0-1 Pirates Sibisi

2025/26 Chippa 0-3 Pirates Maswanganyi, Hotto, Moremi

2025/26 Pirates 2-0 Chippa Makgopa, Appollis

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2012/13)

Home

P W D L GF GA

Chippa 13 2 2 9 8 21

Pirates 13 10 1 2 22 8

Away

P W D L GF GA

Chippa 13 2 1 10 8 22

Pirates 13 9 2 2 21 8

Total

P W D L GF GA

Chippa 26 4 3 19 16 43

Pirates 26 19 3 4 43 16