Soccer
Orlando Pirates vs Cape Town City Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: February 22, 2025 Kickoff Time: 13:30 (UK Time) Venue: Orlando Stadium SportsBoom previews the eagerly anticipated Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 22 February 2025. The Betway Premiership is heating up, and with the next match fast approaching, the pressure is on skilled punters to make well-informed decisions on the best soccer betting sites. Explore our detailed match preview where expert analysis and key statistics will help you pinpoint the smartest betting opportunities.
A general view of the stadium//Getty Images
Cape Town City manager Muhsin Ertugral conquered his former club Orlando Pirates, beating the Soweto giants 1-0 on his return to South African football. It hasn’t been smooth sailing since then as the Citizens have struggled for consistency with their fairly young squad.
On the other hand, Orlando Pirates have their hands full with Cup commitments as they eye glory on the continental stage by winning the CAF Champions League. Buccaneers boss Jose Riveiro has proven his quality in domestic cup competitions, lifting both the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 trophies, but now targets the biggest cup on offer.
But first up is the grudge match against the men from the Cape who inflicted Orlando Pirates’ first defeat in 2025. Whether you're looking for expert odds, live betting, or exclusive promotions, our list of top online betting sites ensures you have access to the best platforms for placing your bets.
PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY
ORLANDO PIRATES ARE SHORT-PRICED FAVORITES
HOME: 5/10 (1.50) – 66,7%
DRAW: 25/10 (3.50) – 28,6%
AWAY: 55/10 (6.50) – 15,4%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Last Five Meetings (PSL)
08/01/25: Cape Town City 1-0 Orlando Pirates
01/05/24: Cape Town City 0-2 Orlando Pirates
29/08/23: Orlando Pirates 2-0 Cape Town City
22/04/23: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Cape Town City
07/01/23: Cape Town City 2-1 Orlando Pirates
ORLANDO PIRATES: CURRENT FORM – LWWLW
Orlando Pirates showcased beautiful football in their 3-1 Nedbank Cup victory over Baroka FC, with striker Tshegofatso Mabasa scoring a hat-trick. The Buccaneers have lost twice in the past six Betway Premiership games – a 1-0 loss away at Cape Town City and 4-1 drubbing at the hands of champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
At the Orlando Stadium, Pirates have been outstanding, claiming seven wins from eight matches against Chippa United (2-1), Polokwane City (3-0), SuperSport United (2-0), AmaZulu (2-1), Richards Bay (1-0), Marumo Gallants (8-1) and Kaizer Chiefs (1-0).
With Mamelodi Sundowns running away with the Betway Premiership, Orlando Pirates and Jose Riveiro might need to shift focus to continental glory. Winning the CAF Champions League would not only salvage their season but also cement Pirates’ status among Africa’s elite.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Tshegofatso Mabasa: The South African striker scored two hat-tricks this season against Marumo Gallants in league action and Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup. Mabasa also scored the opening goal in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals against Cape Town City en route to Pirates becoming the 2024 MTN8 Champions.
- Relebohile Mofokeng: The 20-year-old is one of the most entertaining players on the continent, attracting attention from Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly according to the recent transfer rumours. It's not surprising that Mofokeng has shown experience well beyond his tender age at the CAF Champions League, scoring against Al Ahly, Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and Ivory Coast champions Stade d'Abidjan.
- Patrick Maswanganyi: When Tito is in form, Orlando Pirates are simply unstoppable. Maswanganyi was influential in the Nedbank Cup win over Baroka FC, bagging himself two assists just a few weeks after securing maximum points from the penalty spot against Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
ORLANDO PIRATES TEAM NEWS
All the hype from social media has suggested that promising talent Monnapule Saleng is not injured but rather has contract disputes with the club, who are yet to publicly address the matter.
CAPE TOWN CITY: CURRENT FORM – LDLWL
Cape Town City will take confidence from the fact that they stopped Orlando Pirates from raiding the Mother City, earning an against-the-odds 1-0 victory over a team that has shown their dominance on the continental stage.
However, the Citizens have failed to replicate that gritty performance against teams currently residing at the bottom half of the Betway Premiership table, suffering defeats away at Marumo Gallants (1-0), TS Galaxy (2-0), and Magesi FC (2-0), which doesn’t bode well for their chances in this trip to The Slaughterhouse.
Cape Town City have failed to score in four of their past five Betway Premiership matches on the road, which is surely the biggest concern for experienced coach Muhsin Ertugral.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Gabriel Amato: On the topic of best young players, we can’t overlook 18-year-old Amato in the heart of Cape Town City’s midfield, earning the most playing time among all players under the age of 19 in the Betway Premiership. He has been a physical and hard-working midfielder, often acting as a shield for the backline.
- Tshegofatso Nyama: At left-back, Nyama is becoming a better player each week, scoring in the 1-1 stalemate against Golden Arrows to rescue a share of the spoils for Cape Town City. Strong in tackles, fast in ball recoveries and a reliable crosser of the ball, Nyama will be key to the Citizens’ chances.
- Lorenzo Gordinho: The former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back has the experience to marshal the backline against the pending onslaught from the Orlando Pirates attack. Gordinho’s last goal against Pirates came in the colours of Royal AM and will be crucial in his team’s hopes of keeping another clean sheet against the Buccaneers.
CAPE TOWN CITY TEAM NEWS
Namibian striker Elmo Kambindu left the Chilli Boys to join AmaZulu earlier this month, while left-back Gadiel Kamagi secured a free transfer to Singida Black Stars Sports Club in Tanzania. No replacements were signed to cover the absence of Kambindu and Kamagi.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Orlando Pirates, 4-2-3-1: Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Mako; Makhaula, Maswanganyi; Hotto, Nkota, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Cape Town City, 4-2-3-1: Keet; Mkhize, Fasika, Gordinho, Nyama; Nodada, Amato; Gonzalez, Domingo, Tjiueza; Soukouna.
SUGGESTED BETS
If you love betting on the Betway Premiership, here are some bets you can place at the premium soccer betting sites in South Africa.
Orlando Pirates To Win Either Half – Yes: To minimize risk, betting on Orlando Pirates to win one half of the game is a strong option. (30/100 with Betway) (28/100 with Stake) (27/100 with 1Win)
Both Halves Over 1.5 – No: There are expected to be goals in this matchup, but it’s unlikely that both halves will see two goals scored. This selection would have made a profit in the past 13 meetings between these rivals across all competitions. (25/100 with Betway) (24/100 with Stake) (23/100 with 1Win)
Double Chance and Total 1.5 – Orlando Pirates/Draw & Over 1.5: This is another option to generate value from an anticipated home victory. (85/100 with Betway) (84/100 with Stake) (84/100 with 1Win)
VALUE BETS
Both Teams to Score: No. Seeing as Cape Town City has struggled to score in away matches, failing in four of their last five matches on the road, this the practical option. (75/100 with Betway) (76/100 with Stake) (74/100 with 1Win)
Orlando Pirates Totals – Over 1.5 Goals. This option holds strong appeal seeing as six of the last seven meetings against Cape Town City at the Orlando Stadium have seen the high-flying Buccaneers score a minimum of two goals on each occasion. (95/100 with Betway) (92/100 with Stake) (90/100 with 1Win)
1x2 & Both Teams To Score: Orlando Pirates & No: The best option for seeking out value could be in this market with this selection coming home easily in each of the six previous matches between these teams at the Orlando Stadium. (150/100 with Betway) (148/100 with Stake) (147/100 with 1Win)
PREDICTION: ORLANDO PIRATES TO WIN TO NIL
Orlando Pirates are fully expected to assert their dominance over Cape Town City with a handsome victory, as the Citizens' youthful team have failed to impress in their away matches in the Betway Premiership. On home soil, Jose Riveiro’s men have been superb and will use this match as preparation to continue their excellent form en route to possibly adding another star to the famous black and white jersey by winning this season’s CAF Champions League.
Bryan Naicker is an enthusiastic sports writer, specializing in football and cricket. Completely in love with the quality of UEFA Champions League, Spanish La Liga and English Premier League football. However, been known to dabble in less popular leagues, providing previews, tips and analysis for various sports betting websites.
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