The title race in the Betway Premiership has taken another dramatic turn, leaving Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt fuming. After a demoralizing 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday night, Hunt didn’t mince words regarding the defensive errors that allowed the Buccaneers to seize control.
Two goals in the dying minutes of the first half from Patrick Maswanganyi and Evidence Makgopa were enough to secure the win for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, cutting Mamelodi Sundowns’ lead at the top to just two points.
A Tale of Two Halves: Defensive Fragility
Stellenbosch appeared to be holding their own until a late-half collapse saw them concede twice in quick succession. For Hunt, the manner in which his defenders handled the pressure was unacceptable.
“We didn’t expect to concede from those situations,” a frustrated Hunt remarked. “If my centre-back doesn’t want to head the ball, then I’ve got a problem. We lost the fight, not the football match.”
Despite the disappointment, Hunt acknowledged the “miracle” run the team has been on since January, taking them from relegation concerns to a fight for a top-eight finish. However, he hinted at a significant squad overhaul for the next season, stating bluntly, “There are a lot of players who shouldn’t be here.”
Missing Firepower: The Mabasa Factor
The Winelands outfit was notably toothless in attack, largely due to the absence of Tshegofatso Mabasa. The striker, who has been in clinical form since joining Stellies on loan in January, was ineligible to play against his parent club, Orlando Pirates.
Without their primary goal threat, Stellenbosch struggled to test Sipho Chaine, who cruised to a record-breaking 18th clean sheet of the season.
The Title Race Intensifies
The result breathes new life into the championship battle. Orlando Pirates now sit on 62 points with three games to play.
What Pirates Need to Win the League:
- Win all remaining fixtures: Against Magesi FC, Durban City, and Orbit College.
- A Favor from Rivals: Hope that Mamelodi Sundowns (64 points) drop points in their final three matches, starting with tonight’s high-stakes clash against Kaizer Chiefs.
