MTN8: Will Stellenbosch end Pirates run? Ex-Chiefs player makes bold prediction

Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch are set for an MTN8 clash on Saturday at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.

This is a repeat of the 2024/25 edition, where the Soweto giants, controversially, claimed a 2-1 win against Stellies. Steve Barker's men hope to avenge that loss this weekend and ensure the Sea Robbers don't win the competition for the fourth time in a row.

The two teams have already met once this season, in the Premier Soccer League, where the Buccaneers managed a slim 1-0 win courtesy of Kamogelo Sebelebele's strike. In the last five competitions, across all competitions, both teams have managed two wins each, with the remaining one ending in a draw.

Former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Junior Khanye has explained why Stellies will end Pirates' run.

Stellenbosch will surprise many people

“Stellenbosch is going to surprise so many people. I don’t trust the Orlando Pirates coach, he’s got players, and there is no team in South Africa currently like Pirates, even I admit that,” he said as quoted by iDiski TV.

“They play exciting, but the problem is the coach, the way he starts, he hasn’t decided if his number 9 is [Tshegofatso] Mabasa. For me, he and Pirates’ number 9 are the problem. Stellenbosch, for me, are not a bad team, and last time Steve Barker played against Orlando Pirates, he lost because of the way he started the game.

“He didn’t trust his player after losing the likes of [Fawaaz] Basadien and Jaden [Adams]. And they have signed quality smart players they are going to cause a surprise. For me the game will end either 1-1 or 0-0 they’ll go to penalties and win the game.

Write it down. Sage Stephens will surprise everyone. Yes Sipho Chaine is one of the best goalkeepers especially when it comes to penalties but Stellenbosch will surprise people,” Khanye concluded.