Orlando Pirates began their DStv Premiership campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Stellenbosch 1-0 Orlando Pirates
Date: 05 August 2023
Venue: Danie Craven Stadium
Pirates named only one new signing in the starting line-up, as Patrick Maswanganyi joined Monnapule Saleng and returnee Zakhele Lepasa in the attack, while Thabo Moloisane and Genino Palace were handed their debuts for Stellies.
The sides cancelled each other out in the opening exchanges and the Buccaneers only started threatening after 19 minutes, as Maswanganyi had a first-time shot at the back post saved by goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Jose Riveiro's charges were spirited after that as Saleng came close to breaking the deadlock on 24 minutes with a deflected right-footed shot that crashed against the crossbar.
Steve Barker's men looked for chances on counter-attacks and Van Wyk eventually broke the deadlock just before the interval with a low strike between the legs of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine following a through ball by Fawaaz Basadien.
The game opened up in the second stanza as Pirates upped their tempo going forward but Stellies' pace was a threat on counter-attacks as on the hour-mark Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe almost scored an own with a header from a corner that hit the post.
Riveiro made a double change after that for fresh legs in attacking midfield, as new signing Katlego Otladisa was given his debut alongside youngster Relebohile Mofokeng (formerly) Ratomo while Stellies also gave Sekgota his debut in a straight swap for goal-scorer Van Wyk in attack.
Pirates were desperate for the equaliser in the closing stages but Stellenbosch dropped deep and did not give them space in dangerous areas.
The Buccaneers pinned back Stellenbosch in their own half in the dying minutes but struggled to create clear chances, as Barker's men held on to maximum points.
Here's how they lined up:
Stellenbosch: 17. Stephens, 7. Van Rooyen, 45. Toure, 21. Basadien, 24. Moloisane, 6. Mthethwa, 23. Adams, 28. Palace, 29. Van Wyk, 34. Titus, 9. Rayners.
Subs: 30. Masuluke, 2. Mphahlele, 22. Sibande, 27. Jurgens, 20. Sekgota, 14. Oura, 18. De Jong, 10. Mgaga, 19. Boji.
Orlando Pirates: 24. Chaine, 27. Xoki, 5. Sibisi, 2. Monyane, 7. Hotto, 8. Monare, 15. Ndlondlo, 11. Makaringe, 28. Maswanganyi, 14. Saleng, 9. Lepasa
Subs: 31. Ofori, 23. Maela, 39. Mthethwa, 29. Mako, 16. Makhaula, 26. Shandu, 38. Mofokeng, 12. Otladisa, 17. Makgopa
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