Orlando Pirates will look to put early pressure on their title rivals when they lock horns with Stellenbosch at the Danie Craven Stadium on the opening weekend of the new DStv Premiership season.
Kick-off is at 8pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
MATCH BACKGROUND
The Buccaneers finished runners-up in the league last term albeit a massive 16 points behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, having capitalised on SuperSport United's poor form in the run-in to clinch the second CAF Champions League spot on the final day.
Jose Riveiro's side closed out the 2022-23 campaign with a 4-0 victory over AmaZulu to extend their unbeaten run in the league to nine games, seven of which were wins.
They would go on to lift the Nedbank Cup trophy after beating Sekhukhune United 2-1 in the final, adding to their success in the MTN8.
The Maroons made a remarkable recovery in the new year after a nine-match winless run threatened to drag them into a relegation dogfight with Marumo Gallants, Maritzburg United and Chippa United.
But Stellies would end up losing just three of their last 12 games to finish in sixth place on 40 points, only seven less than they achieved the previous season.
Steve Barker's side had the added distraction of reaching the Nedbank Cup semifinals before the first time in their history before bowing out to Babina Noko on penalties following a 0-0 draw.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Pirates have by far the better record in head-to-head meetings, coming out on top five times in the league as opposed to one win for Stellenbosch.
The two teams have shared the spoils on four occasions, the most recent being in the corresponding fixture last term which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Bucs would run out comprehensive 4-1 victors at the Orlando Stadium five months later - their biggest win over the Cape Winelands outfit.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Iqraam Rayners: revived his career upon returning to Stellenbosch from SuperSport United in January and played a vital role in their resurgence, contributing nine goals and two assists in 10 top-flight appearances, while he scored another six times in the Nedbank Cup to be named Player of the Tournament.
The 27-year-old striker made his Bafana Bafana debut at the 2023 Cosafa Cup and scored in the 2-1 win over Botswana.
Monnapule Saleng: was the standout player in the DStv Premiership last term and should have been named PSL Player of the Season, but lost out to Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
The 25-year-old winger enjoyed a breakout campaign at Mayfair after spending the 2021-22 season on loan with Moroka Swallows.
Saleng registered 11 goals and eight assists in 22 league games for Pirates, while he starred in their MTN8 title triumph, scoring the winner against AmaZulu in the final.
WHAT THEY SAID
Barker is looking to push on in 2023-24 after adding nine new faces to his squad in the off-season, while bidding farewell to fan favourite Junior Mendieta and Ibraheem Jabaar.
"We've prepared well. I think we've compiled a very good squad with good balance and we are looking forward to a positive start to the season," he said.
"We finished sixth and fourth in the league in the last two seasons so we want to continue with that consistency and push for an even higher log position than that this time around.
"We have a difficult start with the amount of matches scheduled, but we are positive and well prepared for that and looking forward to the start of the season against Pirates at home."
Riveiro enjoyed a successful debut season at Pirates after winning two trophies and revealed that competition for places will be even greater in 2023-24 following the acquisitions of Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga, Gumede, Buthelezi, Siphelo Baloni, Patrick Maswanganyi and Katlego Otladisa.
"We are going to try to be a difficult team for everybody. We are a better team than one month ago. Now we have to show it on the pitch," the Spaniard said.
"Obviously it doesn't matter what I say but we have a balanced team with quality in every line and with huge terrible competition inside the group.
"We have 38 good football players and everybody must be ready to accept the challenge because it's going to be tough to get the minutes but I think we'll get the benefits of that at the end of the day."
