Orlando Pirates have a tricky match against Stellenbosch FC as they look to get back on track in the PSL after sealing their place in the Nedbank Cup semi-final.
The two teams are coming from contrasting fortunes with Pirates beating SuperSport United on penalties to seal a place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final while Stellies lost in controversial fashion to Kaizer Chiefs.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker was left furious by some of the calls but he has little time to feel sorry for himself as his team have a tricky home match against Pirates on Tuesday with both teams looking for three points to boost their respective ambitions.
Head-to-head
This will be the third time Stellenbosch and Pirates faceoff this season with the Buccaneers winning the MTN8 final last October, also in controversial fashion, following a 3-1 win, but suffered a 1-0 loss to Barker’s men in December.
Stellenbosch have had a good run against Pirates in recent years, winning three of their last five meetings, including last season when they completed a double over Jose Riveiro’s team.
That will give them confidence of making it four wins in six matches against Pirates when both sides face off at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday.
Form Guide
Stellenbosch had been on a good run before the cup loss to Chiefs, having gone unbeaten in their six matches prior, a run that included four wins and two draws.
Meanwhile, in that period, Pirates had suffered two league losses, losing 4-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns and 2-0 to Marumo Gallants and have been struggling to pick up wins in recent matches as fatigue, suspensions and injuries have decimated their squad.
That run of results has left Pirates 16 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns as they are on 39 from 17 matches, with four games in hand over the league leaders, while Stellenbosch are pushing for a second straight third place finish, sitting third on the log with 31 points from 19 matches, same as Sekhukhune United and Polokwane City, who have played a match more.
What have they said?
While Pirates have been struggling lately, Riveiro remains confident that he has a strong squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts as the season gets into the homestretch.
“I have 37 players in the squad, imagine 37, usually in most of the competitions around the world you cannot have more than 25, we have 37,” said Riveiro.
“So, numbers cannot be a problem. We have quality in every department, in each and every position.
“This thing is not about who’s playing; it’s about staying together and being competitive no matter what, no matter who is in the starting 11.”
Team news
Pirates will welcome back defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, who returns after his suspension, while youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi will likely partner him. Riveiro will have to decide whom between Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Magkopa plays upfront after the latter started against SuperSport.
Right-back Deano van Rooyen will also likely play against his former team after starting from the bench on Saturday.
Time & where to watch
The match will kick off at 19.30 at the Athlone Stadium and will be live on SuperSport TV.
Orlando Pirates predicted XI
Chaine, Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Nkota, Mofokeng, Mabasa
