0'
Pirates starting team: M Buthelezi, T Sesane, T Xoki, I Maela, T Lebitso, T Mbatha, M Makhaula, R Mofokeng, P Maswanganyi, T Mabasa, M Saleng.
Substitutes: S Mpontshane, T Monyane, N Ndlondlo, E Makgopa, K Dlamini, L Kapinga, K Kimvuidi, S Baloni, S Mthethwa.
0'
Royal AM starting side: M Mpoto, K Shezi, W Mabuza, A Jiyane, T Matlaba, K Mahlasela, S Msomi, S Magaqa, A Maxwele, S George, K Ndlovu.
Substitutes: H Nyame, M Dlamini, S Kobedi, M Macuphu, L Manganyi, M Sera, M Thikazi, M Masuku, S Cele.
0'
In head to head match-ups between these sides, Pirates have the upper hand in the last five meetings, with three wins. The other two matches were drawn.
0'
Home side Royal are 13th on the table, 11 points behind Pirates who occupy third spot.
0'
Good afternoon and welcome to this live text commentary from the PSL battle between Royal AM and Orlando Pirates from the Harry Gwala Stadium in the Midlands.
1'
The battle is under way, with Royal in full blue kicking off the action against Pirates kitted out in their black strip.
2'
In the first round meeting, Pirates won 4-2. The fast start of this clash promises another goal feast.
5'
Pirates take a free kick, floated in by Maswanganyi, and it's an easy take by goalie Mpoto.
7'
Pirates' playmaker Maswanganyi goes down in a challenge but play goes on.
9'
Xoki is booked for a rough tackle, highlighting the bruising nature of this encounter.
12'
Lebitso gets in a shot on target for Pirates, and it's straight into Mpoto's gloves.
14'
Ndlovu of Royal is cautioned for shoving Lebitso from behind.
16'
T Monyane replaces Lebitso who required treatment after that tackle from Ndlovu.
17'
Matlaba is booked for a rash sliding tackle on Pirates striker Mabasa.
19'
Mofokeng drills in a corner kick and Matlaba clears at the near post.
21'
Saleng gets a chance to run at goal, and Mpoto dashes out of his box to get to the ball first and hoof it away.
23'
Royal win their first corner. It's easily cleared by Pirates.
25'
Monyane of Pirates clears a cross and concedes a corner, the second one for Royal.
26'
Bucs' Sesane wins a defensive free kick under a challenge from George.
29'
Maswanganyi wins a disputed penalty on the edge of the box under a challenge from Mabuza, and converts to put Pirates ahead.
32'
Ndlovu intercepts a pass and gets to run at the Pirates defence. He cuts inside and opens a gap to shoot, firing weakly wide of goal.
35'
It's a stop-start affair with tackles flying in. Mahlasela of Royal is the latest to go down for treatment.
38'
Royal are forced to play the ball backwards under tight marking by Pirates.
41'
Pirates get a chance to break, only for Monyane to hit his pass forward to Maswanganyi too strongly, and the ball runs out of play.
44'
Buthelezi makes a mess of a throw by stepping out of his box, conceding a free kick to Royal.
45'
A let-off for Pirates. George hammers the free kick in, and Buthelezi redeems himself by getting a touch to deflect it onto the bar and out of play.
46'
The second half action is under way at the Harry Gwala Stadium, with Pirates leading Royal AM 1-0.
47'
Into the first minute of three minutes of time added on, and Royal get another set piece. This time Pirates clear the corner comfortably.
48'
Royal have never beaten Pirates in six meetings. The Midlands outfit have been pushing to get back into the tie, against a resolute Bucs backline.
49'
Maswanganyi's fortunate penalty separates these teams in a hotly contested skirmish in the KZN capital. The battle has already seen one substitution for an injury, while three players have been booked for robust challenges.
49'
Another free kick for Royal. The ball is dipped in, and Buthelezi gets a touch to deflect it onto George and out of play.
50'
Maswanganyi earns a corner kick for Pirates.
51'
Mofokeng takes a second corner kick in succession after George clears the first one.
52'
George wins an attacking throw-in after Xoki checks his run.
55'
Mofokeng, Monyane and Saleng combine to stretch Royal's defence and the ball is whipped in low, where Mpoto blocks.
56'
Mbatha helps initiate an attack and finishes it by latching onto Maswanganyi's defence-splitting pass to roll the ball past Mpoto.
60'
Pirates make a double switch. Saleng and Xoki make way for K Dlamini and S Mthethwa
62'
Mbatha intercepts Mpoto's pass to a teammate, and is closed off in time by Royal's Matlaba.
64'
Magaqa intercepts a pass and feeds to George who gets a shot in from an offside position.
65'
Double change. M Macuphu and M Thikazi replace Msomi and Ndlovu for home side Royal.
68'
Pirates turn on a bit of the flash and fancy moves in the Royal half, exciting the full house crowd.
72'
Jiyane is added to the yellow card list, following a foul on Makhaula which requires a time out for treatment.
75'
Mofokeng finishes cleanly after running onto a pass from Mabasa. It's his third league goal of the season.
77'
It's all going wrong for Royal. Mabuza is booked for a jersey tug.
80'
Makhaula goes down injured, as Royal prepare to make further changes.
82'
Substitute Dlamini scores with a cross that floats in and catches the goalie out of position.
85'
Royal make a triple switch with M Dlamini, M Masuku and S Cele replacing George, Shezi and Mabuza.
87'
L Kapinga and K Kimvuidi replace Mofokeng and Maswanganyi for Pirates
88'
Maswanganyi is booked for time wasting while leaving the field.
90'
Normal time is up, and the officials signal four minutes of optional time.
92'
Makhaula of Bucs goes into the yellow card book for a clumsy challenge.
94'
That's a wrap of this live text commentary from this PSL match at the Harry Gwala Stadium. Thank you for joining us.
94'
Pirates wrap up a comfortable win with a fortuitous first half penalty followed by three second half strikes. Bucs maintain their unbeaten record against the home side. The result keeps Pirates in third place on the table, and Royal stay 13th in the standings.
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