Orlando Pirates will look to return to winning ways when they face Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3pm), with the defending champions aiming to maintain momentum in the early stages of the Betway Premiership season.
The Buccaneers were held by AmaZulu in midweek, dropping points for the first time in the league campaign after beginning their title defence with a victory over newly promoted Milford FC.
Abdeslam Ouaddou's side will, therefore, be eager to avoid another slip-up as the league table begins to take shape. The fixture comes during a demanding opening period for Pirates, who have already had to balance their league campaign with their MTN8 commitments.
They overcame Durban City after extra-time in the cup before turning their attention to league football, leaving Ouaddou with the challenge of managing his squad while maintaining intensity.
Chippa will arrive with their own ambitions after also starting the campaign without a victory.
The Chilli Boys will see Sunday's encounter as an opportunity to make an early statement against the reigning champions and test themselves against one of the country's strongest squads.
Oswin Appollis has already shown that he is capable of taking greater responsibility in the attack, while Tshepang Moremi has also provided an attacking threat in the opening matches. The emergence of Camren Dansin is another positive for Ouaddou, with the young midfielder earning praise for his performances after being handed increased responsibility.
The Pirates coach will also want his side to become more clinical in front of goal, particularly against a Chippa team expected to defend in numbers and look for opportunities on the counter.
For Chippa, frustrating Pirates will be the first objective before attempting to exploit any spaces left behind by the champions. For the Buccaneers, however, the equation is simple.
They need a response.
With the pressure of defending their league crown already beginning to build, another dropped result would make Sunday's fixture even more significant.
A victory would allow Pirates to regain momentum and reinforce their credentials as they attempt to retain the Betway Premiership title.
REMAINING WEEKEND FIXTURES
Sunday: Chippa United v Orlando Pirates, 3pm; TS Galaxy v Golden Arrows, 5.30pm
Wednesday: Mamelodi Sundowns v Marumo Gallants, 7.30pm