Title-chasing Orlando Pirates expect three points from bottom of the rung Magesi

Abdeslam Ouaddou's Buccaneers have slipped to third place on the standings behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs after topping the table for much of the current campaign.

They remain unbeaten in their last 11 league matches but were held to a 0-0 draw with Sekhukhune United in their first game of the new year to sit one point behind Chiefs and three adrift of the Brazilians, but with two games in hand.

At the other end of the table, Magesi are fighting a relegation battle in last place with just two wins all season.

Head coach John Maduka remains optimistic about his group’s resilience and growth but admits it is not easy when you struggle to win games.

He said on Foot Africa: "It's always worrying [when you don't win], especially because there are so many games we could have done so much better whenever we were in control of the games. We created so many scoring opportunities, but we didn’t score.

"But we are patient, we just need one win. I am sure you will see a different Magesi, a team that plays with confidence. As much as we haven't won any games, these boys have been doing well, creating those chances, being in those good areas, where they can give oppositions problems."

Ouaddou added: "I will not tell you that we have a target of points for each month - no. The mentality is that every game we start with the target, the aim to win. Of course, sometimes it's not possible like last week [vs Sekhukhune].

"We played [in] that game if you see the intensity, if you see the efforts that my players gave in that game, they gave everything. But it was not the day to take the points but we have to keep the same spirit, the same unit and if we keep that I'm sure we will surprise a lot of people.

Masindi Nemtajela is available for selection for Bucs after sitting out the trip to Polokwane with a suspension. New signing Mpho Chabatsane and a fit-again Thabiso Sesane are also both vying for selection.