Orlando Pirates host Stellenbosch FC in their final game of the 2019/20 PSL campaign at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.
Orlando Pirates have enjoyed a rather underwhelming PSL campaign and head into today’s fixture against Stellenbosch knowing that a victory is a must should they have any hopes of finishing in the top three.
Stellenbosch on the other hand have achieved their goal of avoiding relegation however the icing on the cake for Steve Barker’s men will be a top eight PSL finish which is possible to achieve by beating Orlando Pirates.
Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch FC: Previous PSL meetings
Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC have met on two previous occasions. Both have come this season, the Buccaneers walked away with a 1-0 victory in the Telkom Knockout round of 16 while Stellies grabbed a surprise 1-0 victory in a PSL league clash last October.
This afternoon’s PSL clash will be the first time Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer and Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker meet.
Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch: PSL team news
Bongani Sam is set to once again be missing for Orlando Pirates against Stellenbosch in their clash through injury. The Buccaneers have scored just four goals in the PSL bio-bubble, Gabadinho Mhango will be looking to add to his 15-goal tally with the hope of clinching the PSL golden boot award.
Stellenbosch will be looking to Waseem Isaacs to get the goals for them. The former Ubuntu striker has already found the back of the net on eight previous occasions during the 2019/20 PSL campaign.
Zinnbauer banking on third spot
Orlando Pirates are one point behind third place SuperSport United heading into this afternoon’s PSL clash against Stellenbosch and head coach Josef Zinnbauer is hopeful of securing a spot in the CAF Confederations Cup next season by climbing above Matsatsantsa.
“I think we have now two wins in a row and now it’s important we have the last game, which is important for us to take three points,” Zinnbauer told reporters.
“Then we have achieved together nine points, and I think then the season is okay for us, maybe we have a chance for the third place.
“When we have this chance, we have to take it and that is the target we have in the last game. We will push to finish in third.”
Barker pleased with maiden Stellies season
Stellenbosch has successfully avoided relegation in their maiden season in the PSL and head coach Steve Barker has commended his team for the way they’ve gone about their business in the top flight.
“This is a testimony of how far we have come as a team to be disappointed for not being able to win our recent games,” Barker told SuperSport.
“It is good to see that our strikers are getting onto the score sheet. It is through hard work and they continue to believe in themselves and the belief from us in them.”
Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch: PSL kick-off time, where to watch
Action between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at the Ellis Park stadium gets underway at 15:30. The PSL match will be televised live on SuperSport LaLiga (Channel 204). You can also live-stream the game on DSTV Now (Subscription required.)