Soccer
AmaZulu vs Orlando Pirates Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: May 24, 2025 Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium Kickoff Time: 15:00 (SAST) AmaZulu has made significant progress this season, and credit must be given to Arthur Zwane for maintaining his level of professionalism throughout the difficulties they have experienced. As a result of Zwane’s perseverance, Usuthu are set to finish in a higher position than they ended last season. For Orlando Pirates, there is not much to highlight besides the lasting memory that coach Jose Riveiro has left on the team, supporters, and South African football in general. Mandla Ncikazi, who has overseen the final matches after Riveiro's sad departure, will want to end this season off strong, while Zwane aims to snatch maximum points to secure a top-eight finish and put their name in the hat to compete in the MTN8 next season.
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The Betway Premiership will host its final matchday at the King Zwelithini Stadium when AmaZulu look to close the season off with a victory over Orlando Pirates on 24 May 2025. The Buccaneers delivered a 2-1 defeat to Usuthu the last time they shared the field, and after everything that has happened over the last week, this fixture could end well for Pirates. If you’re eager to cash in, keep an eye out for the best football betting sites to place your bet.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
- HOME: 41/20 (3.05) – 32.8%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 59/50 (2.18) – 45.9%
Odds courtesy of Hollywoodbets, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All Competitions)
25/10/2024: Orlando Pirates 2-1 AmaZulu
20/04/2024: Orlando Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu
13/04/2024: AmaZulu 2-4 Orlando Pirates
24/10/2023: AmaZulu 0-0 Orlando Pirates
20/05/2023: AmaZulu 0-5 Orlando Pirates
AmaZulu Current Form – LWLWD
Coach Arthur Zwane has found ways to adapt and adjust his tactics for different opponents, which has led his team to success. However, consistency has been the primary factor holding Usuthu back from claiming more victories this season, as they have shown to be a well-organised team that believes in their style of play and tactical approach to every game.
Coming into this fixture, AmaZulu has managed to earn seven points from a possible 15 with two defeats, two victories and a draw. The two defeats against Chippa United and Stellenbosch were self-inflicted but showed their true potential when it mattered most after claiming victory over both KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows and Richards Bay. With a 1-1 draw at home to Polokwane City, AmaZulu extended their unbeaten run, which will give them a huge boost of confidence as they prepare to face Pirates in a must-win fixture.
Key Players To Watch
- Hendrick Ekstein: Ekstein has come up with important goals for AmaZulu this season and has been a creative spark in midfield for his team. He brings a wealth of experience with him, which enables him to find ways to link up play with his vision and precise passing in the final third.
- Elmo Kambindu: Kambindu has come in and added value to Zwane’s attacking department. Since his arrival, Kambindu has scored four goals in 11 matches, proving his worth and ability to score goals. He uses his strength to hold off defenders and has intelligent movement to make runs behind the defence, where he can pounce on any scoring opportunities.
- Tshepang Moremi: Moremi has taken his opportunity with both hands under coach Zwane, which has seen him become a regular starter and an important player for his team. Despite his young age, Moremi has featured in 28 matches for AmaZulu, scoring three goals and providing seven assists. He has the most goal involvements by any player in his team, highlighting the significant impact he has had this season.
AmaZulu Team News
Augustine Mulenga is still recovering from a long-term injury he sustained in September last year. Besides that, Arthur Zwane has a full squad available for this fixture that will allow him to put his best team out in hopes of coming away victorious on the day.
Orlando Pirates Form – WWWDW
With CAF Champions League qualification already secured, Jose Riveiro tipped Mandla Ncikazi to steer the Sea Robbers to a successful ending to the season, and he has delivered what was expected from him in honour of the great Riveiro. The question everyone will be asking is, will Ncikazi be allowed to take over as head coach of Orlando Pirates, considering he has spent the last three years as Riveiro’s assistant?
The Sea Robbers come into this final fixture beaming with confidence. The Soweto derby victory kicked things off, followed by convincing back-to-back victories over Golden Arrows. Orlando Stadium saw its final match of the season, where Pirates hosted TS Galaxy in a highly contested fixture, then made the short trip to Pretoria to face SuperSport United, after which they asserted their dominance in a strong performance. Ncikazi will need the same energy and desire from his men if they are to finish the season unbeaten across the last four away matches.
Key Players To Watch
- Mohau Nkota: Nkota has been one of the star performers for Pirates this season. The 20-year-old has not only been an important player in the league but has also left his mark in the CAF Champions League by scoring four goals and providing two assists. He is good with the ball at his feet, especially when running at defenders with speed, often using his skill and close ball control in one-on-one situations to create scoring opportunities.
- Relebohile Mofokeng: Mofokeng, also known as ‘Captain Yama 2000’ could be considered the face of South African football. Since making his way into the first team, Mofokeng has not looked back and has been at the centre of the success the Sea Robbers have achieved. Despite his young age, he has featured in 48 games in all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 14 assists. His dazzling dribbling skills and vision in the final third enable him to create scoring chances, making him a constant threat for his team in attack.
- Kabelo Dlamini: Dlamini is reaching the peak of his powers and has improved the midfield significantly for the Sea Robbers. His awareness of reading the game and maintaining possession under pressure enables him to initiate attacks in quick transitions. One of his key strengths is his vision, which allows him to pick out dangerous passes and provide precise through balls for his teammates to run onto. Additionally, Dlamini is deadly from dead-ball situations, which has seen him score exceptional free-kicks.
Orlando Pirates Team News
Miguel Timm (ankle injury), Thabiso Lebitso (knee injury), and Thabiso Sesane (Achilles tendon rupture) are all set to return next season fully recovered to join the team and compete for league honours once again.
Predicted Line-Up
AmaZulu: 3-4-3
R. Ofori, W. Jooste, R. Mphahlele, S. Mthethwa, R. Hanamub, B. Zungu, B. Motshwari, T. Mashigo, H. Ekstein, T. Moremi, E. Kambindu
Orlando Pirates: 4-2-3-1
S. Chaine, B. Shandu, N. Sibisi, M. Mbokazi, D. Hotto, T. Mbatha, K. Dlamini, R. Mofokeng, P. Maswanganyi, M. Nkota, T. Mabasa
Suggested Bets
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Both Teams To Score: Both teams will be out for the win, which will see goals scored from either side. 7/10 (1.7) with Hollywoodbets.
Over 2.5 Goals: This fixture will produce a winner, and goals will come as the match unfolds. 17/20 (1.85) with SupaBets.
Double Chance – AmaZulu Win/Draw: This is a must-win fixture for AmaZulu, and with the two-week rest they had, Usuthu will come out and attack from the first whistle, throwing everything towards earning the victory. 19/20 (1.95) with Hollywoodbets.
Value Bets
This match offers a great chance for online betting fans to use strategic insights and boost their odds of success.
Full-time Result – Draw: This could be a cagey affair between these two sides, which could see both teams cancelling each other out. 1/1 (2.0) with SupaBets.
First Team To Score – Orlando Pirates: Pirates possess a dangerous attacking department, which creates and scores many goals collectively. 6/5 (2.2) with Hollywoodbets.
Winning Margin – Orlando Pirates By 1: AmaZulu have everything to play for in this last fixture and will not make this an easy outing for the Buccaneers. 21/10 (3.1) with SupaBets.
Prediction: Orlando Pirates to Win
Orlando Pirates will want to end this incredible journey they have been on with one last victory. They come into this fixture as the favourites to win, but still have to go out and perform, which Mandla Ncikazi will expect from them as he closes off his short stint in charge.
Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.