Stellenbosch FC secured their second consecutive win in the Absa Premiership after claiming a 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, reports DYLAN APPOLIS.
Steve Barker’s side claimed their first win in the top flight after securing a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium through goals from Waseem Isaacs and Iqraam Rayners, respectively.
Meanwhile, Rhulani Mokwena’s men came into the encounter after playing out to a thrilling 3-3 draw with Cape Town City in their last league encounter at the Orlando Stadium.
In the previous meeting between the two sides, Pirates came out on top after claiming a 1-0 victory over Stellies in the Telkom Knockout Cup last 16 on 19 October.
The Buccaneers got the game off to a good start, while Stellies were trying to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges.
Tshegofatso Mabaso should have given Pirates the lead in the 14th minute, but dragged his effort wide of the upright.
However, Stellenbosch took the lead six minutes later when Iqraam Rayners capitalised on a defensive error by Alfred Ndengane to find the back of the net.
Wayne Sandilands came to his side’s rescue three minutes later when he made a double save in quick succession to deny Waseem Iscaas.
Pirates continued to dominate proceedings as the game went on and created numerous chances in the final third but, were unable to break down the Stellies defence.
The visitors managed to hold on to their one-goal lead over Pirates as the game went into half time.
Mokwena opted to make a double change early in the second half when Gabadinho Mhango and Kabelo Dlamini came on for Fortune Makaringe and Augustine Mulenga.
At the other end, Barker made a change of his own seven minutes later when Jarrod Moroole came on to replace Tshireletso Motsogi in the midfield.
The home side nearly levelled matters in the 61st minute but Boy de Jong produced a good reflex save to deny Pirates an equaliser.
Marc van Heerden nearly caught Sandilands off his line in the 71st minute when he unleashed a strike from his own half but the Pirates keeper tipped his effort over the target.
Pirates made their final change two minutes later when Justin Shonga was brought on to replace Vincent Pule.
Mabasa should have equalised in the 85th minute when the ball fell to him kindly, but the in-form striker could not direct his effort on target from close range.
The Pirates striker came even closer to levelling matters three minutes later when his acrobatic effort rattled the woodwork.
However, Stellies managed to soak up the pressure from Pirates in the closing stages of the game to claim all three points.
