Orlando Pirates Face Stellenbosch as Pressure Mounts After Slow Start to PSL Season

The Orlando Stadium floodlights will burn bright on Wednesday night when Orlando Pirates take on Stellenbosch in a clash that pits two of last season’s top three sides against each other. But while the fixture has the glamour of a heavyweight showdown, both teams arrive carrying the weight of slow starts and lingering questions.

Pirates Chasing First League Win

The Buccaneers are still waiting for their first three points of the new Betway Premiership campaign. After stumbling out of the gates, they managed only a 1-1 draw against champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg. While that result showed flashes of resilience, it did little to ease the pressure on new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has been chopping and changing lineups as he searches for the right formula.

Stellenbosch, meanwhile, haven’t fared much better, scraping just one point from their opening two league matches. Their MTN8 run has provided some relief, including a confident 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United, but head coach Steve Barker faces the challenge of juggling a packed August schedule that includes games against Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns.

Familiar Faces, Lingering Links

What makes this showdown particularly intriguing is the player traffic between the two clubs. Deano van Rooyen and Sihle Nduli both swapped Stellenbosch for Soweto since last season, adding extra spice to the reunion. At the same time, Stellies centre-back Thabo Moloisane — a standout performer and many fans’ pick for defender of the season — has been linked with a possible move to Pirates.

Barker insists Moloisane is committed to his current side: “He deserves all the recognition. He’s given everything, every minute, every game. For me, he should have been defender of the season last year,” Barker said after Saturday’s win. Still, the speculation adds another layer to an already loaded fixture.

Team News and Selection Headaches

Both squads head into the clash with injury concerns. Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olisa Ndah, and Makhehleni Makhaula all missed the Sundowns draw, leaving Ouaddou with tough decisions in defence. Stellenbosch are sweating on the fitness of striker Ashley Cupido, who hobbled off against Sekhukhune, though early signs suggest the injury is not too severe.

Expected lineups suggest that Pirates may lean again on Sipho Chaine in goal, with Evidence Makgopa leading the line up front. Stellies are likely to stick with Sage Stephens in goal and Lehlohonolo Mojela spearheading their attack.

A Rivalry With an Edge

History favours Stellenbosch. They are unbeaten in their last four Premiership meetings with Pirates, winning three and drawing one. For Pirates fans, the hope lies in talisman Deon Hotto, who has found the net five times against Stellies across his career.

In each of the past two seasons, Pirates finished runners-up while Stellenbosch claimed third, cementing both as consistent top contenders. For fans in Soweto, this clash feels like more than just another league game. It’s a litmus test of whether Ouaddou’s men can rediscover their bite or whether the Buccaneers will sink further into early-season turbulence.

What the Fans Are Saying

On social media, Pirates supporters are restless. “We can’t keep starting slow every season. This squad is too good to be winless,” wrote one frustrated fan on X. Stellies fans, meanwhile, are taking confidence from the stats. “We’ve had their number for two years. Orlando Stadium doesn’t scare us anymore,” another supporter posted.

Kickoff Details

• Date: Wednesday, 20 August

• Time: 7:30 PM CAT

• Venue: Orlando Stadium

• Broadcast: Live on SuperSport

  Source:ESPN Africa 

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