Eric Tinkler's charges started their season with a shock defeat of the Buccaneers and will be eager to repeat that feat after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations break with a shock 1-0 loss to a struggling Stellenbosch.

A 31st minute Tshegofatso Mabasa goal sealed the three points for a Stellies side under the guidance of new head coach Gavin Hunt for the first time.

Sekhuhkhune had come into the game unbeaten in their previous three games, to head into the new year in third place, but they have since dropped to fourth on the standings with 25 points from 14 games.

Pirates in second place with 28 points from 12 games are yet to play in the league in 2026, and last saw off Durban City 2-0 to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games.

Both sides have looked to strengthen in the January transfer window, with Bucs boss Abdeslam Ouaddou bringing in the likes of Mpho Chabatsane and Daniel Msendami from Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch attacker Andre De Jong.

He did, however, also offload a total of eight players, including a number of loan deals.

Missing this tie through suspension is Bucs midfielder Masindi Nemtajela, who picked up a fourth yellow card in the Carling Knockout Cup final.

Ouaddou expects his new players to settle in quickly, saying in the Citizen: "We have some habits in terms of cohesion, in terms of living together and it’s important to include the new players.

"We've shown them slides about our game model, about our team spirit, about our values in the team.

"We are looking forward to them bringing us all the qualities and the competencies to the team."

Eric Tinkler has turned to Lebogang Phiri, Tidiane Diomande and Lehlohonolo Mojela to add to his ranks.

Speaking after their recent loss, Tinkler told SuperSport: "I don't think it is a setback because when you play the big ones, some of our players are always motivated.

"You wish they could be motivated for these smaller games the way they are for the bigger games. I don’t think it is much of a setback — the players will be ready for the game against Pirates."

On Phiri, Tinkler added that the player will be ready to go for the game against TS Galaxy next month.

"I've known him; he's a phenomenal, professional hard worker," he said in the Sowetan. "He's been out of the game, yes, but he looks after his body. He keeps training. So it's more game conditioning that he needs just to get back in.

"But the talent, I know the talent. I know what he can he give us and he'll probably be up to full speed by the time we get to the [TS] Galaxy game."

Eric Tinkler hails Sekhukhune defence after hard-fought Orlando Pirates stalemate