Pirates and Stellies look to overcome stumbling starts in Betway Premiership

Following slow starts to the Betway Premiership season, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch will both be seeking their first league wins when they face one another at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT, live on SuperSport.

CURRENT FORM

Orlando Pirates snatched a late draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal on Saturday. Kamogelo Sebelebele netted his first goal for his new side in the 87th minute, taking some pressure off manager Abdeslam Ouaddou, whose start in Soweto has not gone to plan.

The Buccaneers have not been as successful in the Betway Premiership, having lost to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants in the opening two games of their league campaign. They sit 14th on the log with a goal difference of minus two.

Similarly to the Soweto giants, Stellenbosch are flourishing in the MTN8 but not in the league.

Stellies put two goals past Sekhukhune in the first leg of their MTN8 semifinal on Saturday, with Lesiba Nku registering two assists.

In the Betway Premiership, the Maroons fell to Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 in their season opener before recording a 1-1 draw with Magesi last Wednesday. Stellies sit 13th on the log, one point above Pirates with a goal difference of minus one.

TEAM NEWS

Stellies’ head coach Steve Barker did not play Sanele Barns in his side’s MTN8 clash against Sekhukhune on Saturday after the midfielder felt some hamstring pain during warm-up. Barker emphasised that his decision to rest Barns was purely precautionary, given the club’s busy schedule.

“He’s got a bit of a tight hamstring which…with all the games coming up midweek against Pirates and Sekhukhune [on Saturday], it was not worth the risk,” Barker said.

“He would have played and was actually in the starting team. But at training, in the last ten, 15 minutes, he felt a little bit of pain. So, it was precaution more than anything else.”

WHAT WAS SAID

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou acknowledged that set pieces have been an achilles heel for his side this season but commended his side for their fightback against Sundowns on Saturday.

“Unfortunately, we were not efficient, and again, we had the misfortune to concede the goal at a set piece,” said Ouaddou.

“But at halftime, we decided to make some changes, some readjustments to bring some fresh blood. I think they did it. The guys reacted well, the impact players who came on brought something to the second half. I have to congratulate them because it's not easy to come back. They [showed] great character, great personality, and I was happy about the second half,” he said.

“I think that we [deserved] to score at the end of the game, but that’s football. Let's focus for the next game,” Ouaddou said.

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker was pleased with his team’s performance against Sekhukhune at the weekend.

“I thought that we stuck to our game plan very well. We got a 2-0 lead, and it was a question of maybe seeing if we can get a third, which would have put us in a strong position,” he said.

“I don’t think we gave them opportunities, especially in the second half. [I am] very proud of top performances from every single player, and anyone who came on added value to the team.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando Pirates - Sihle Nduli: Since joining the Buccaneers from Stellies, Sihle Nduli has cemented himself in Ouaddou’s starting line-up. The midfielder has started all four of Pirates’ fixtures this season and will look to make a statement against his former employer.

Stellenbosch - Lengelihle Phili: 20-year-old Langelihle Phili has enjoyed a superb start to the season. The U-20 Afcon champion scored an extra-time winner in Stellies’ MTN8 quarterfinal victory against AmaZulu and opened his Betway Premiership account against Magesi last week. He will look to add to his tally against the Bucs on Wednesday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (League results)

Orlando Pirates wins: 3

Stellenbosch wins: 4

Draws: 5

Total

P W D L GF GA

Pirates 12 3 5 4 14 11

Stellenbosch 12 4 5 3 11 14