Orlando Pirates are in a mean mood ahead of their Absa Premiership Soweto Derby against Moroka Swallows at the renovated Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Pirates are determined to stamp their authority not just on the 'Birds', but also on the league early this season.

'Bucs' spokesman Mickey Modisane, said his side had no pity for the "wounded people" that his 'Buccaneers' face on Wednesday: "Pirates are determined to set the early pace this season.

"We realise Swallows are wounded after losing to rookies Mpumalanga Black Aces (2-1) last week, but we have little mercy or sympathy for their plight. That is their problem.

"For Pirates this is a must win match and would set the tone for our championship challenge. That is why we appeal to our supporters to come out in numbers and help us take three points off Swallows."

The 'Birds' are using this Soweto Derby as the official opening of their new Dobsonville home ground, but after an uninspiring 0-0 home draw against Golden Arrows and that loss to Aces, the 'Birds' are on the back foot against their unbeaten rivals.

'Bucs' have four points from two matches and have not conceded a goal. They have, however, only scored one and Modisane said coach Ruud Krol would be rectifying mistakes made in last week's 0-0 draw at Ellis Park against Mamelodi Sundowns.

"What the Sundowns game showed is this is going to be the most difficult season ever. All the clubs have strengthened their squads and there will be no easy games.

"That is why it is vital we pick up early points as teams tend to choke towards the end of the season."

Pirates do not fear the three veteran strikers 'Birds' brought into their fold recently in the form of once feared Collins Mbesuma, former 'Buccaneer' Siyabonga Nomvete and Lungisani Ndlela. None have managed to make an impact.

Krol will have his new Bafana Bafana striker Terror Fanteni, available, but the former Dutch skipper is unlikely to play Fanteni because there is a question mark against his match fitness.

There is also doubt over midfielder Joseph Makhanya who has not signed a new contract and will not feature until he puts pen to paper. His contract ended in May.

Explained Modisane: "The ball is in Makhanya's court. He is due to meet the chairman (Irvin Khoza) soon."

But defender Lucky Lekgwathi, whose contract also ended in May, has signed for another season. Club captain and defender Lehlohonolo Seema, is out for another six weeks with a groin strain.

Krol might be tempted to give Fanteni a run at some stage after his other strikers, such as Katlego Mashego, Siphelele Mthembu and Ndumiso Mabena, have been firing blanks so far.

Kaizer Chiefs face another tough 90 minutes when they host BidVest Wits at the Orlando Stadium, also at 7.30pm on Wednesday.

The 'Students' were knocked out of the MTN8 competition at the quarter-final stage by 'Amakhosi' and are looking for revenge.

Chiefs lost a dramatic two legged MTN8 semifinal clash 4-3 on aggregate against Ajax Cape Town after a pulsating 3-3 draw in the second leg played at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

'Amakhosi' are determined to bounce back, but in the back of their minds will be they were lucky to beat Wits 3-1 in the Cup and coach Roger de Sa's players are not likely to be as generous this time.

Sundowns face a tricky clash against Free State Stars at the Super Stadium while the two newly promoted teams Jomo Cosmos and Aces, meet for the first time in the PSL at the Rand Stadium at 7.30pm.