Mpumalanga Black Aces will face a formidable task when they take on Absa Premiership League leaders, Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7:30pm).

The 'Buccaneers' have shown themselves as the team to beat early on in the season. Currently Pirates are sitting right at the top of the Absa Premiership log with eleven points after their first five games.

The 'Sea Robbers' are yet to lose a Premiership fixture, winning three of their matches and drawing their other two. Most recently the Soweto giants were held to a 0-0 draw by the PSL?s other in-form team, Golden Arrows.

What has been most impressive in the early season displays of the 'Buccaneers' is their defensive record as they are yet to concede a single goal in five games.

"We can put a spanner in their works. We?ll come like a private number to them," Aces captain Godfrey 'West' Nobula told the club's official website.

He added: "We have played against them a couple of times before and if I recall very well, we are all-square having won two games apiece from the past four friendly matches.

"Unofficial matches count for less though. The main thing is that our opponents are not a closed book to us. Playing against big-name sides like Pirates will give the guys an added motivation."

Stopping goals from entering the back of their own net has certainly not been Aces' forte this season. In their first five games they have conceded six goals which has translated into them winning only one match, with two being drawn and two being lost.

Aces' home form has been impressive and that is where they have picked up all five of their points this season. They are yet to claim any points away from home.

The last time the two teams met in an official league match was way back in the 1996/97 PSL season. In both league fixtures Pirates walked away with all three points, winning 2-0 and 2-1.