Orlando Pirates fall to Stellenbosch FC in league opener

Orlando Pirates suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stellenbosch FC in their opening league match of the season on Saturday night.

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Antonio van Wyk scored the only goal of the game at a packed Danie Craven Stadium to hand Stellies all three points.

This was an encounter almost every fan was looking forward to as Pirates are considered strong contenders for the league.

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Jose Riveiro retained almost every player that featured heavily for Pirates last season with new signing Patrick Maswangayi, returnee Zakhele Lepasa and Fortune Makaringe starting.

However, the fluidity wasn’t there as Pirates often struggled to deal with Stellies, especially in midfield and in the final third.

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Pirates were then punished in the 42nd minute after their defence tried to play an offside trap only for Van Wyk to beat it before slotting the ball past Sipho Chaine.

There was no comeback for Pirates after that goal as Stellies looked solid at the back and gave their attackers no chance.

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STELLENBOSCH VS ORLANDO PIRATES: STARTING LINEUPS

Stellenbosch XI: Stephens, van Rooyen, Moloisane, Toure, Basadien, Mthethwa, Adams, Palace, Van Wyk, Titus, Rayners.

Subs: Masuluke, Mphahlele, Sibande, Jurgens, Sekgota, Oura, De Jong, Mgaga, Boji.

Orlando Pirates XI: Chaine, Xoki, Sibisi, Monyane, Hotto, Monare, Ndlondlo, Makaringe, Maswanganyi, Saleng, Lepasa.

Subs: Ofori, Maela, Mthethwa, Mako, Makhaula, Shandu, Mofokeng, Otladisa, Makgopa.

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