On-form Pirates face tricky Diski test against Stellies

Could this finally be the season where Orlando Pirates get to clinch the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) title?

That question will only be answered in May this year. However, the Buccaneers have made a promising start to the league, currently leading the standings after six matches.

Pirates have accumulated 16 points from five victories and one draw thus far. They began the season with an exciting 3-3 draw against Durban City FC. Following that, they won their next five matches, triumphing over Siwelele and Chippa United with identical 1-0 scores. Additionally, they earned maximum points against TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United, defeating each team 2-0.

This past weekend, they secured their position at the top of the standings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows, creating a three-point gap between them and second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

Notably, they are the only team that have not lost a match since the start of the Diski Challenge campaign. Coach Roscoe Krieling, who joined the team from the now-defunct SuperSport United, mentioned that they are still a work in progress.

He stated: "I still say there's still a lot of work that we still need to do. Our finishing and passing can still be better. I think we are like 50 per cent now and the boys keep on improving week in, week out."

𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐃, 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐃𝐂 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ⚽️🔥

Here's your weekend dose of the DStv Diski Challenge... shay'round to your nearest venue to support the next generation.

Uyazi #Asidlali #SivuthaManje 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/V3ZcUcMlof

— Asidlali (@Asidlali) October 16, 2025

In Pirates' next encounter, they are facing a tough test from two-time Diski Challenge winners as they host Stellenbosch FC at UJ Campus in Soweto on Saturday morning. With the history of the two teams, this promises to be a blockbuster as Stellies are also slowly gaining their momentum.

Krieling admitted that their early form puts them in a position where every team they play against are determined to beat them.

"Eyes are on us now; but I tried to tell the boys that I do not feel pressure. Arrows (in the last game) came here with the hope to beat us, but we fought. We have Stellenbosch up next. They have few players back in the squad, it will be tough, but we are ready. We have built a good (never die) attitude during pre-season."

A victory or a draw for Pirates will see them keep the No 1 spot for another week in the Diski Challenge.