As the MTN8 semifinals commences this weekend, Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is preparing to face a ‘confident’ Orlando Pirates outfit at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm (SA, GMT+2)
After a swift start to the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign, Stellenbosch FC, Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will feature in the MTN8 semifinals on Saturday and Sunday.
Match Background
Stellies form sheet does not make a good reading heading into the tie and recorded back-to-back defeats against SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs in the league.
However, the Cape Side can take solace in the fact that they’ve already beat the Buccaneers this season, which came in the form of a 1-0 victory in their league opener last month. As for the MTN8 tournament, Stellies overcame a stubborn SuperSport United in the quarterfinals, with Andre De Jong netting a 99th minute winner at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on the 13th of August.
Since their defeat to Stellenbosch, Pirates are currently on a six-match undefeated streak in all competitions. During this period, the Soweto giants bagged five victories and one defeat, which highlighted Jose Riveiro’s progress at the club.
In their MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Sekhukhune United, Pirates claimed a convincing 5-0 win over Babina Noko as Zakhele Lepasa inspired his team to victory with a stunning hat-trick at the Orlando Stadium last month.
Previous Meetings
In the head-to-head count, Pirates have the slight advantage over Stellenbosch in the last five matches played. The Buccaneers claimed three wins compared to just one by Stellenbosch, with two draws recorded during this period.
Players to Watch
Stellenbosch:
Iqraam Rayners: The attacker has been a hit for Stellies in the last couple of seasons and continued his positive showing in front of goal during the 23/24 campaign. With seven goals to his name in 10 games, Rayners will once again be the point of reference in attack for Stellenbosch.
Zakhele Lepasa: Much like that of Rayners, Lepasa has been Pirates’ go-to man for goals this season. Scoring seven goals in seven matches so far, Lepasa improvements in front of the posts has been greatly appreciated by the club’s adoring supporters as he grows into a fan favourite in Soweto.
What they Said
Speaking ahead of the tie, Barker mentioned that Pirates are a team who are playing with a great deal of belief this season.
“We all know Pirates are a really good team, who are in good form and the defending champions [of the MTN8],” Barker said.
“They come off a good win midweek [where they outwitted Cape Town City 2-0], so there’s a lot of confidence and belief in the Pirates team but probably they had the same belief when they came here at the beginning of the season [as they beat them 1-0].
“We just have to put in a committed good performance and start taking chances.”
As for Riverio, the Spaniard is looking to have the advantage over Stellenbosch over the course of the 90 minutes.
“I think we played a good game like I said several times already against Stellenbosch,” Riverio said.
“But it was good enough to get the result that we were looking for. The (MTN8) draw gave us an opportunity to play them soon and we didn’t have to wait for the second game in the league in Orlando.
“We have an opportunity to go there again and try to do better and get a good result, which is a win. We just want to be better than Stellenbosch and have the advantage after the 90 minutes.”
Players who moved across the two teams
There has not been much business between the two sides in recent windows, with Nkanyiso Zungu and Lepasa being notable transfers over the years.
In the 19/20 season, Zungu joined Pirates from Stellies, while Lepasa arrived a the Winelands side on loan in the 18/19 campaign.