Pirates hope for more goals against Stellies

Away wins were rare for Orlando Pirates last season, but they will head to a happy hunting ground when they tackle Stellenbosch FC in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday.

Pirates’ 3-0 success in the Cape Winelands last season was their joint biggest on the road in the league since a 4-0 win at Black Leopards in 2012, and in truth was a little unexpected.

That is because the club won only three of their 15 away league games in 2021-22, with form on their travels clearly an issue.

With new coach Jose Riveiro at the helm, they will hope there is a change of fortunes ahead of a match at what is one of the most difficult places to go and get a result in the DStv Premiership.

Pirates were a bit of a mixed bag in their season opener against Swallows FC, claiming a 1-0 win with a solid first half display but a poor showing in the second period that meant they were a little fortunate in the end.

Stellenbosch FC opened their season with a 0-0 draw at Marumo Gallants but will welcome a chance to take on Pirates in their home venue, where they have claimed many a scalp in the past.

In the seven meetings between the sides in all competitions, Pirates have won three to go with a single victory for Stellies. That 3-0 win in November is the only real blow-out score between the two though.

One feature of the victory over Swallows was a lack of finishing and Riveiro acknowledges that is a concern.

“I would like to always finish the game and be seated here talking about the chances we missed because it means the plan was good,” Riveiro said. “Of course, I would like to score more goals and be seated there in the last 10 minutes of the game more relaxed.

“You can be sure if we continue to create this amount of chances, it’s going to happen. You can be sure we will score more than one goal.”