Orlando Pirates gear up for the Soweto derby with crucial matches against Royal AM and Richards Bay, aiming to build momentum and strengthen their title challenge.

With the highly anticipated Soweto derby just around the corner, Orlando Pirates are gearing up for the clash of the season by taking on Royal AM and Richards Bay in two critical fixtures.

These matches, scheduled for the coming days, will serve as crucial preparations for the Pirates, who are determined to make their mark in both domestic and continental football this year.

The Pirates are coming off an impressive CAF Champions League campaign, where they finished undefeated in Group C, one of only two teams in the competition to do so.

Their six-match unbeaten streak included a remarkable victory over the mighty Al Ahly, Africa’s “Team of the Century,” who have won 11 Champions League titles.

This victory in Cairo has made Pirates one of the favorites for the title, as they look ahead to the quarter-finals next month.

Now, with the Soweto derby scheduled for February 1 at Soccer City, which has already been declared “sold out,” Pirates are using their domestic fixtures as a warm-up for the high-stakes encounter with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

The first of these games will be against Royal AM in a Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

Just a few days later, Pirates will head back to KwaZulu-Natal for their Nedbank Cup opener against Richards Bay in a last-32-round fixture.

For Pirates’ Spanish coach José Riveiro, the upcoming matches provide an excellent opportunity to fine-tune his squad and assess which combinations will be most effective in the derby.

The team’s recent continental success has given Riveiro confidence that they are serious challengers not only in Africa but also in the domestic league.

A victory in the Soweto derby is essential for Pirates as they aim to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns, who have dominated the league in recent years.

Riveiro’s tactics have been a breath of fresh air for Pirates, who have adopted an attacking style of play while maintaining a solid defensive structure.

This approach has allowed them to dominate possession and create numerous goal-scoring opportunities, a trend they are likely to continue against Royal AM, who have struggled this season.

Royal AM, currently sitting in 15th place with just eight points, have had a tumultuous few weeks.

Their last match was at the end of December, and since then, the team has been sidelined due to financial issues, including a R40 million tax debt that led to the club being placed under curatorship by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

This financial instability has affected the team’s performance, and they have not won a match since October 2024, losing four games and drawing one in that time.

Despite these challenges, Royal AM coach John Maduka has been working tirelessly to prepare his team for the tough task ahead. In the face of adversity, Maduka has organized warm-up friendlies to get his players match-ready for the Pirates encounter.

However, with their form faltering and a lack of competitive match fitness, Royal AM face an uphill battle against one of the strongest teams in the league.

For Pirates, this game is more than just a routine league match; it is a chance to build momentum and further assert their dominance ahead of the Soweto derby.

A win against Royal AM would provide the perfect confidence boost for Riveiro’s side, who have shown resilience and character in their recent performances.

Riveiro has been vocal about the importance of character and personality in his team, especially after their historic win over Al Ahly.

The coach emphasized that while results are important, the ability to compete and maintain focus during difficult moments is what sets great teams apart.

This mentality will be crucial as Pirates head into the derby, where emotions and stakes will be high.

The Soweto derby is one of the most anticipated fixtures in South African football, with both teams and their supporters viewing it as more than just a game.

For Pirates, a victory in this iconic clash would not only boost their title challenge but also send a powerful message to the rest of the league that they are ready to compete with the best.

As the countdown to the derby begins, all eyes will be on Pirates to see how they perform in these two crucial matches.

The Royal AM and Richards Bay fixtures will serve as the perfect dress rehearsal for the showdown with Chiefs, and Riveiro will be hoping that his team’s attacking prowess and solid defensive play will carry them through to another victory.

With the team in high spirits following their continental success and a strong squad at their disposal, Pirates are well-positioned to make a serious challenge for both the league title and the Nedbank Cup.

However, the road to success is never easy, and the team must remain focused and disciplined as they prepare for what promises to be a thrilling and high-pressure Soweto derby.

As the excitement builds, Orlando Pirates fans will be hoping that their team can continue to deliver on their promise and bring home silverware this season.

With a manager who knows how to motivate and inspire his players, the future looks bright for the Buccaneers, and the next few weeks could prove to be pivotal in their quest for glory.