Orlando Pirates’ failure to open a gap against Stellenbosch FC last Saturday has thrown the DStv Diski Challenge wide open ahead of the matches this weekend.
Pirates, who are searching for their first DStv Diski Challenge title since the competition started in 2014, were defeated by Stellenbosch 1-0 at Danie Caven Stadium last Saturday.
It meant Stellies, who won this competition in the 2021/22 season, are level on top with the Buccaneers on 32 points.
Joseph Makhanya’s side sit on top, having scored more goals than Stellies, with the latter appearing to be tuned up for this junior league, which has created an easy access and pathway in the senior team.
Makhanya, since the DStv Diski Challenge resumed two weeks ago in Durban, has brought on Azola Matrose and Relebohile Mofokeng to show his intent that he wants the league at the end of the season.
They will have to beat defending champions SuperSport United, who they host at Rand Stadium on Saturday (10 am).
Stellies will also play simultaneously when they visit Chippa United, whom they defeated in the first round, at Wolfson Stadium in KwaZakhele.
Having beaten his challengers, Stellies coach Evangelos Vellios said it would be a shame to fail not to get points after beating a strong team like Pirates a week ago.
“We have come together after the loss to Kaizer Chiefs when the Engine national tournament was finished,” Vellios said.
“Since then, we have been undefeated. We drew two and won nine, it’s an amazing run, but we will not get carried away because we are working in a specific way at this club.
“What does it help to play well last Saturday, and you go to Chippa United this week (and not pick up points?).
“The Chippa game is brutal and then TS Galaxy away, another brutal game, and SuperSport United at home, that’s why I say the league will turn around a lot.
“We just want to get points which is our target.”
Saturday’s festival fixtures at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium
Polokwane City vs Richards Bay (13:00)
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Golden Arrows (15:00)
Sunday’s festival fixtures at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium
Royal AM vs Cape Town Spurs (13:00)
Kaizer Chiefs vs AmaZulu (15:00)
Other Saturday fixtures
Chippa United vs Stellenbosch FC (10:00)
Orlando Pirates vs SuperSport United (10:00)
Sekhukhune United vs Moroka Swallows (10:00)
Sunday fixture
Cape Town City vs TS Galaxy (10:00)
