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Stellies out to dent Pirates' top two hopes

football10 May 2021 15:00| © Backpage TXT
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Stellenbosch FC warming up © BackpagePix

Stellenbosch FC will battle with Orlando Pirates in a DStv Premiership match at the Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.


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Stellies' struggles in the league continued when they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Chippa United away on 1 May and the loss extended their winless run to eight matches.

As a result, the Western Cape-based side are placed 12th on the league standings - a point above the relegation zone with four matches left.

Steve Barker, the Stellenbosch head coach, says his charges should believe that they can end their current eight-match winless run.

"We have to keep believing. We have to keep working together, keep the unity and the togetherness. Sometimes testing times make you stronger for later challenges," Barker said.

"We are not taking our chances, it is a process, but it is hard knocks that we have to take. I trust and believe that the boys will step up and show their mantle."

Meanwhile, Pirates boosted their hopes of finishing in the top two in the league when they returned to winning ways by thrashing Black Leopards 3-0 at home on 6 May.

The win took the Buccaneers to fourth place on the standings - eight points behind second-placed AmaZulu FC, but the former have a game in hand.

Josef Zinnbauer, the Pirates head coach, is looking forward to their clash with Stellies, having been impressed with his side's passing game against Leopards.

"Compliments to the team for the right reaction from the last game and the focus for the next game. It was very good [passing game], it was calm, moved the opponent a lot, we found always the window for playing through the lines," Zinnbauer said.

"I say it again we have a lot of final third [entries], shooting on the goal, a lot of passing through the goal but normally you have to score three or four times more but it's good, 3-0 top result, top performance and we're looking forward."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stellenbosch FC

Marc Van Heerden: The experienced left-back has been influential for Stellies this season and he has been involved in four goals (three goals and one assist) in the league. Van Heerden will pose a threat to Pirates from set-pieces.

Junior Mendieta: The Argentine playmaker has impressed in his debut season in South African football, having scored three times and registered one assist. Mendieta will be hoping to play a key role in helping Stellies return to winning ways.

Orlando Pirates

Wayde Jooste: The speedy right-back produced a man-of-the-match performance in Pirates' emphatic win over Leopards and he grabbed an assist. Jooste will be looking to continue his good form when he faces Stellenbosch.

Tshegofatso Mabasa: The bulky centre forward has impressively netted five goals despite starting just two league games this season and he scored twice against Leopards. Mabasa will be keen to inspire the Buccaneers to another win.

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