Pirates’ Immaculate Run Halted by Stellenbosch

Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten run in the Betway Premiership was halted with a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

Devin Titus netted the only goal of the match, breaking free and calmly placing the ball past Sipho Chaine, the goalkeeper for Pirates.

This victory served as sweet revenge for Stellenbosch, who had suffered a painful loss to Pirates in the MTN8 final in Durban back in October.

Last season, Stellenbosch also triumphed over Pirates in both league encounters.

The loss was the first for the Soweto Giants in the league this season, allowing Mamelodi Sundowns to maintain their position at the top of the table after their win against Sekhukhune United on Saturday. Both teams are currently tied on 21 points after eight matches played.

Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro kept the same lineup as their previous 2-1 victory over the Algerian side CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday.

The team displayed good cohesion, dominating the first 15 minutes against Stellies, creating more than five opportunities but failing to find the back of the net. After the 15-minute mark, the visitors started to take control, nearly scoring from a corner kick in the 18th minute, though the Buccaneers were alert defensively. Pirates had another good chance in the 27th minute, but 2023/24 Young Player of the Season Relebohile Mofokeng couldn’t convert.

In the 30th minute, Mohau Nkota had an opportunity, but Sage Stephens made a fantastic save. Then, in the 33rd minute, the visitors took the lead through Bafana Bafana winger Titus.

Stellies had another opportunity in the 35th minute, but Sipho Chaine easily handled Thabo Moloisane’s shot. Just before halftime, a mistake from Stephens allowed Pirates to earn an indirect free kick, but they failed to capitalize.

The first half concluded with a score of 1-0 in favor of the visitors. Riveiro introduced Kabelo Dlamini as the second half began, replacing Makhehleni Makhaula. Dlamini made a noticeable impact offensively, creating over three chances within the first 10 minutes of the second half.

The home side had a clear opportunity in the 59th minute, but unfortunately, Evidence Makgopa failed to score. Immediately following Makgopa’s miss, Thalente Mbatha took a strong shot from outside the box, which went wide. The Buccaneers continued to control the game, with Patrick Maswanganyi creating a chance for Dlamini, whose shot hit the bar in the 65th minute.

In the 67th minute, Riveiro subbed in Deano Van Rooyen to face his former team, replacing Thabiso Monyane. Tshegofatso Mabasa also came on for Makgopa. Stellies had their first opportunity of the second half in the 78th minute, but De Jong’s header went off target. Pirates nearly equalized later in the match when Nkosinathi Sibisi shot directly at Sage Stephens inside the box after a back flick from Tshegofatso Mabasa.