WeeklySA_AdminGrudge: Orlando Pirates set to continue their winning streak in the Betway Premiership
By Masoja Cele
Though football matches may be unpredictable, Orlando Pirates string of impressive results in the Betway Premiership gives them a slight edge in their fixture on Sunday against the youthful yet proficient Stellenbosch FC at their fortress Orlando Stadium. Kick-off 15:30.
On Tuesday Pirates snatched a 2-1 victory against CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League at Stade du Juillet 1962 Stadium in Algeria. Bucs youngster Mohau Nkota scored the brace.
The Buccaneers form has been solid and sizzling in this campaign and they are unbeaten in the seven matches they have played so far. They lead the Premiership race with twenty one points from seven outings. Bucs have scored thirteen goals, while they have conceded only two, a statistic that could hand them confidence against the Stellies. Before the international break the Soweto giants clocked a 1-0 win against Richards Bay to remain at the summit. They are followed closely by rivals Mamelodi Sundowns who have collected eighteen points from seven games.
The Jose Riveiro side last won the Premiership title back in 2011/12 season. Is this the season for the Buccaneers to make amends? For the past two campaigns Pirates finished second behind serial winners Sundowns. Coach Riveiro has assembled a competed squad that is hungry for success. They have shown resilience, character and determination in the past three seasons when they wrestled the MTN 8 cups against AmaZulu, the Brazilians and Stellies respectively.
Like always, Pirates will rely on the skill of the rampart Relebohile Mofokeng. The young sensation has been a revelation for Bucs ever since his arrival. He has been a marvel to watch. Another young lad Mohau Nkota is swiftly finding his feet in the elite league. Already he has scored two goals in his first attempt in the CAF Champions League. Without a doubt, the p0resence of the duo in Bucs line up will unsettle the Western Cape side intensions. Nevertheless, the two starlets will be guided by the experience campaigners that includes the likes of captain Innocent Maela, Deon Hotto and Kabelo Dlamini.
Stellenbosch are coming into this match disillusion after they felt hard done by the match officials during the final of the MTN 8 against the Soweto giants in October down in Mbombela Stadium. Certainly, the Cape Winelands outfit are out for a revenge. Stellies are currently lying fourth on the log standings with twelve points from seven rounds of matches. They trail Pirates with a whopping nine points. Before the FIFA break, the Steve Barker side played a bruising 1 all draw with TS Galaxy. A match they could have easily won but, poor decisions in the final third eroded their scoring chances.
Stellies look to solidify their standings in the league. Stellenbosch will rely on likes of the attacking midfielder Jayden Adams, the hard-working Fawaaz Basadien, the midfield anchor Lehlohonolo Mojela and Devin Titus to unlock Pirates stubborn defence.
Sage Stephens Stellies goalkeeper has regain his form and he might be a difference between his team and the Buccaneers. With the stakes so high fans can expect an gruelling battle on the pitch at Orlando.
