Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes that his side will remain in the race for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title until the very last day as the Soweto giants prepare to take on Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
As it stands, Pirates are second on the league table, two points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with four games left to spare.
Pirates dropped crucial points during the last couple of weeks, most notably during the recent instalment of the Soweto Derby where they recorded a 1-1 draw alongside Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on 26 March.
With 59 points after 26 matches, Pirates recorded three wins and two draws in their last five league games as they look to claim their first league title since the 2011/12 campaign.
Stellenbosch on the other hand, currently occupies 10th on the log, with 32 points from 26 games. As they hope to claw their way into the top eight, Stellenbosch suffered a 1-0 loss to Polokwane City last time out as they trail the lucrative eighth position by three points.
Overall, the Cape Winelands outfit could only manage two wins, two losses and one draw in their previous handful of Betway Premiership games.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking after the Soweto Derby and in reflection of Pirates’ title challenge, Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou urged his side to continue fighting as the need for positive results continue in the concluding stage of the campaign.
“Let’s wait and see how the other results go,” Ouaddou said.
“The show must go on, and like I’ve always said, we will keep playing until the last day, minute, or second, we are here”.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stellenbosch FC: Chumani Butsaka – The 24-year-old has been a shining light for Stellies in recent games, and will come into the next match full of confidence. With his ability to play off the wide areas of the pitch, Pirates will have to be on high alert given his movement in the final third.
Orlando Pirates: Relebohile Mofokeng – As arguably Pirates best player this season, much of the club’s success will rest on his shoulders during the next couple of weeks. More positively, Mofokeng’s direct play and goal involvements will be Stellenbosch’s biggest worry on Tuesday.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 13
Stellenbosch wins: 4
Orlando Pirates wins: 4
Draws: 5