On Saturday, the Orlando Pirates Reserves will welcome the reigning champions Stellenbosch at Rand Stadium for their second DStv Diski Challenge match of the 2022/23 season.
The first weekend of the new season featured a number of fiercely contested local derbies, and the intensity won’t let up as two teams that were locked in a fierce struggle for the coveted title for the most of last season meet in what looks to be an intriguing matchup.
Form Guide
The two teams had differing opening-weekend results, but both will be aiming for three points in Saturday’s matchup.
This is because three first-half goals scored by debutant Relebohile Ratomo – who scored twice – and defender Samukele Kabini gave the Buccaneers the perfect start to their campaign as they defeated rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 at King Zwelithini Stadium in the Soweto Derby.
The victory propelled them to third position in the standings, and on Match Day 2 of the competition, they will try to continue their ascent by securing three more points against the Cape Winelands team, who sits at the bottom of the standings.
Stellenbosch was also in action in Durban over the weekend, losing to Cape Town Spurs 3 goals to 2 in the Cape Derby.
Their primary objective when they visit the Bucs Reserves will be to get their championship defense back on track as they attempt to climb out of the bottom half of the table, where they are currently positioned in 13th.
Head-to-Head
In an April match played at Makhulong Stadium, the Stellies Reserves essentially ruined the title hopes of the young Buccaneers, who concluded the game with 10 men and were defeated 2-1.
This was only the fourth time the two teams have met at this level, and the head-to-head record is now tied at two wins apiece.
Mpumelelo Ndaba scored the game’s lone goal to earn three points for the Pirates in their previous victory over Stellenbosch, which also occurred during the same season.
How to Follow the Reserve Match Between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC
The game begins at 12:00 and will not be broadcast on television. Follow the action by monitoring the Orlando Pirates’ social media sites for real-time updates.