Richards Bay will aim to be the first team to halt Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten run when they visit Orlando Stadium on Tuesday (19:30).

The Soweto giants are currently top of the Betway Premiership with 18 points from six matches, boasting a 100% winning record. They hold a three-point advantage over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates didn’t play this past weekend as it was reserved for the Carling Knockout quarterfinal, where they were eliminated in the first round by Magesi FC.

On the other hand, Richards Bay played and defeated Cape Town City on penalties in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals. They will face Magesi FC in the semifinals.

Pirates’ midweek fixture against TS Galaxy has given them a rest advantage, a fact that worries Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter.

“I’m not worried, I’m stressed,” Truter admitted with a smile. “Pirates didn’t play this weekend, so they’re fresh and going to Orlando Stadium is always tough, especially when the Ghost are filling up the stadium.

“We’re very mindful of that. We’ve had some concerns with Keagan Allan, who might have a concussion, and we lost Langa Mhlongo to a red card.

“As I said, we don’t have a large squad, so we’ll rely on our DDC players. Hats off to Sibusiso Msomi for developing these young talents.

“This opens the door for another player to step up and fill those spots. But going to Orlando, you need experienced players to manage the situation and control the game, even if youngsters are playing.”

This will be the second meeting between the two sides in just two months, an unusual scheduling arrangement due to Pirates’ CAF Champions League commitments and the delayed start to the league season.

Richards Bay will be without Mhlongo and Yanela Mbuthuma, both of whom were sent off in recent matches.

On Saturday, Ntlomelo Bomelo impressed in Mbuthuma’s absence, leading the line and causing problems for the opposition defense.

Truter was pleased with Bomelo’s performance, saying, “I’m happy for Bomelo. He had a good 60 minutes in his first start at this level.

“I’m glad we have this gem in our squad. While we’ll miss Mbuthuma, our pool of talent is growing.”