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Sekhukhune United vs Orlando Pirates Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: January 24, 2026 Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium Kickoff Time: 15:30 The Betway Premiership serves up a compelling top-of-the-table clash as title contenders Sekhukhune United take on league leaders Orlando Pirates. With anticipation building ahead of kickoff, South African soccer betting sites are expected to reflect the magnitude of the occasion with competitive odds. The break offered both sides time to reset, but now the focus shifts firmly back to business. The Sea Robbers arrive intent on extending their grip at the top of the standings, while Babina Noko looks to disrupt the narrative and reinforce their status as fearless challengers. With momentum, pride, and vital points on the line, this fixture carries significant weight for both teams towards setting the tone going forward.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2026-01-19

Chad Nagel

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Pirates' South African forward #38 Relebohile Mofokeng (C) celebrates

Relebohile Mofokeng (C) / Getty Images

Fans will flock in their numbers and grace the Peter Mokaba Stadium when Sekhukhune United host Orlando Pirates on 24 January 2026. With Sekhukhune United winning the last two matches against Pirates, the Sea Robbers will arrive with a point to prove and extra motivated to not only get one over Sekhukhune but also add three crucial points to their tally. 

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME (SEKHUKHUNE UNITED): 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%

  2. DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3% 

  3. AWAY (ORLANDO PIRATES): 1/1 (2.00) – 50%

    Odds courtesy of Hollywoodbets, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  • 09/08/2025: Orlando Pirates 0-1 Sekhukhune
  • 30/04/2025: Orlando Pirates 0-1 Sekhukhune
  • 05/02/2025: Sekhukhune 1-2 Orlando Pirates 
  • 30/03/2024: Sekhukhune 2-1 Orlando Pirates 
  • 07/11/2023: Orlando Pirates 1-0 Sekhukhune 

Sekhukhune United Current Form – WDDLL

Sekhukhune United has built their identity around discipline, structure, and competitive resilience, making them one of the most difficult teams to play against in the Betway Premiership. They embrace the role of disruptors, thrive in tightly contested matches, and are comfortable winning games by fine margins. Their style may not always be expansive, but it is highly effective.

Across the last five fixtures, Sekhukhune has shown a blend of resilience, attacking intent, and competitive spirit. In the Telkom Knockout, Golden Arrows put in a dominating performance in the second half to knock Babina Noko out. Returning to league action, in a fixture where Sekhukhune controlled large spells, Siwelele snatched the victory late on, exposing their defensive errors. 

After back-to-back defeats, the Limpopo side drew with Richards Bay and Marumo Gallants, demonstrating just how clinical they can be, but at the same time, defensive frailties have seen them give up missed opportunities. 

In their last fixture before the break, they were outplayed by Magesi and lacked firepower in attack, but an improved defensive showing was enough to grind out a narrow, hard-fought victory to return to winning ways. Last time out, Stellenbosch put them to the test, which served as preparation ahead of facing a formidable Pirates outfit. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Bradley Grobler: Grobler is known for his goal-scoring instinct, longevity, and leadership. He is a seasoned striker whose scoring track record speaks for itself, making him a key figure for Sekhukhune. In high-stakes fixtures, Grobler usually delivers in decisive moments. 
  • Siphesihle Mkhize: Mkhize is a midfielder who brings steel and strategy to Babina Noko. He excels at shielding the backline, winning duels, and then finding intelligent passes to launch attacks. While not always in the spotlight for goals or assists, his influence is unmatched.
  • Keletso Makgalwa: Makgalwa is the spark that ignites Sekhukhune’s attack. Blessed with vision, movement, and the knack for decisive passes, he consistently influences games at the highest moment. Whether providing perfectly weighted assists or driving the team forward with confidence, Makgalwa’s presence adds dynamism and threat.  

Sekhukhune United Team News

Sekhukhune United have no major injury concerns. In transfer news, Sekhukhune have signed Lebogang Phiri as a free agent and Lehlohonolo Mojela from Stellenbosch.

Orlando Pirates Form – WWWWW

Orlando Pirates are a powerhouse in South African football and have developed into a well-rounded, tactically flexible team that balances a strong defensive structure with varied attacking options. Their depth makes them a formidable opponent capable of controlling games, exploiting transitions, and challenging for domestic honours. This quality assembled squad is one of the more complete teams in the Betway Premiership. 

Coming into this fixture, the Sea Robbers had been on a five-game unbeaten run, displaying their elite quality on both ends of the field. In November, they defeated Richards Bay, Chippa United, and Durban City, scoring five goals without conceding. They are relentless in attack, with multiple players capable of influencing the final third, rather than focusing on one goal scorer.

During the festive season, Pirates overcame Marumo Gallants and won the Black Label Cup after defeating the All Stars XI, again showing a great attacking threat and a defence that is extremely difficult to break down. Now with Sekhukhune next, Pirates will be determined to pick up where they left off and claim a statement victory over Sekhukhune.

Key Players To Watch

  • Oswin Appollis: In a Pirates system that values quick transitions and wide attacking play, Appollis fits seamlessly. His pace allows him to exploit spaces behind defensive lines, while his creative instinct and goal-scoring prowess make him extremely valuable in attack.
  • Sipho Mbule: Also known as “The Master Chef,” Mbule combines flair, creativity, and midfield intelligence to orchestrate Pirates’ play. He excels at spotting space, threading forward passes, and stepping forward to support attacks. When at his best, his presence lifts the entire team.
  • Evidence Makgopa: Makgopa is a modern forward who combines physical presence with intelligent movement. Standing tall and strong, he excels as a target man, holding up play, winning aerial duels, and bringing teammates into the game. His instinctive finishing and clever movement in the final third make him a tough forward to contain.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Despite having no injury concerns and a full-strength squad, Pirates have added to their side by signing Marumo Gallants pair Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane, as well as Andre De Jong from Stellenbosch. On outgoings, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has moved to the MLS and signed for Chicago Fire. There is no hiding behind the fact that the Sea Robbers mean business this season and are hoping to knock Sundowns off their pedestal.

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Sekhukhune United: 3-4-3
    Leaner, Mogaila, Ndlovu, Cardoso, Rammala, Mkhize, Monare, Letlapa, Mncube, Makgalwa, Grobler

  2. Orlando Pirates: 4-3-3
    Chaine, Lebitso, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto, Nduli, Mbule, Nemtajela, Appollis, Mofokeng, Makgopa

Suggested Bets

Get started on the right foot and begin with a welcome bonus designed to make your experience even more enjoyable.

  1. Both Teams To Score (Yes): With the attacking firepower both teams possess, goals will be scored on the day.  7/10 (1.70) with Hollywoodbets.

  2. Over 2.5 Goals: This fixture will be closely contested and will come down to fine margins or moments of brilliance to decide the outcome. 3/4 (1.75) with SupaBets.

  3. Double Chance (Orlando Pirates): Despite Pirates being the favourites and the team in form, Sekhukhune are no pushovers and will challenge the Sea Robbers. 7/10 (1.70) with Betfred.

Value Bets

This match provides online betting enthusiasts the opportunity to put their strategy into action and explore potential returns with informed value bets. 

  1. Orlando Pirates To Win & Both Teams To Score (Yes): This option offers more value for money than a straight victory, which will see Pirates win but also see Babina Noko find the back of the net. 19/10 (2.90) with SupaBets.

  2. Last Goal (Orlando Pirates): Pirates never take their foot off the pedal and attack until the final whistle. 109/100 (2.09) with Betfred.

  3. Anytime Goal Scorer (Oswin Appollis): Appollis always finds himself in the right place at the right time, and with his finishing ability, expect the Pirates attacker to find the net. 8/5 (2.60) with Hollywoodbets.

Prediction: Orlando Pirates to Win

This fixture has much to offer, which makes for another intense matchup when these two teams clash. That said, Orlando Pirates are leading the pack and find themselves in great form, and even though Sekhukhune are a team not to write off, the Sea Robbers are more than capable of winning this fixture as they aim to maintain their lead at the summit of the standings.

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

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.

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