Orlando Pirates’ hopes of a positive start to their DStv Premiership season were shattered on Saturday as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Stellenbosch FC proved to be a formidable opponent, with Antonio Van Wyk’s well-taken goal late in the first half and a resilient defensive display leading them to a deserved victory and all three points.
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 05: Antonio van Wyk of Stellenbosch FC celebrates scoring the opening goal during the DStv Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates at Danie Craven Stadium on August 05, 2023 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by EJ Langner/Gallo Images)
The match started quietly, but it was Pirates who had the first notable chance when Thabo Monare sliced a long-range effort over the bar in the ninth minute.
Stellenbosch also had their moments, with Antonio van Wyk delivering a dangerous ball into the box in the 23rd minute, narrowly missing a connection from Devon Titus. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made a comfortable save.
Just before the half-hour mark, Pirates came agonizingly close to taking the lead. Monnapule Saleng cut onto his right foot and fired a shot towards goal, but his effort deflected off Fawaaz Basadien and hit the crossbar.
Stellenbosch raised their intensity as halftime approached and it paid off in the 42nd minute. Jayden Adams played a perfectly-weighted pass to Van Wyk, who showed great composure to beat the goalkeeper with a low left-footed shot, giving Stellenbosch a 1-0 advantage.
Trailing at halftime, Pirates started the second half with determination, searching for an equalizer. However, Stellenbosch’s solid defense proved formidable. Fortune Makaringe came close to scoring, but Ismael Toure made a brilliant challenge to deny him.
The Buccaneers enjoyed more possession in the second half but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Even with fresh legs in the form of Katlego Otladisa and Evidence Makgopa, they couldn’t make an impact on the game.
Surprisingly, it was a Stellenbosch substitute, Kgaogelo Sekgota, who played a significant role in the match, making crucial defensive contributions and helping to neutralize Pirates’ danger man, Saleng. Stellenbosch managed to withstand a late surge from Pirates and secure victory.
Both teams will return to DStv Premiership action midweek. Pirates will face Royal AM at home on Tuesday, August 8, while Stellenbosch will be away to Polokwane City the following day.
Match Summary:
Stellenbosch FC (1) 1 (Van Wyk 42′)
Orlando Pirates 0
☠️ Bucs Kick Season Off with Defeat
???? Read the Match Review ???????? https://t.co/yWbhA2P9AL
⚫️⚪️????⭐️#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/UqAJJP9a8r
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 5, 2023
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Van Rooyen, Basadien, Mthethwa, Toure, Moloisane, Adams, Van Wyk (Sekgota 65′), Palace (Mgaga 90+3′), Titus, Rayners (De Jong 88′)
Pirates: Chaine, Monyane, Sibisi, Xoki, Hotto, Monare (Makhaula 78′), Makaringe (Mofokeng 63′), Ndlondlo, Maswanganyi (Otladisa 63′), Saleng, Lepasa (Makgopa 78′)
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