Stellenbosch Football Club (FC) beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in their opening match of the 2023/2024 season of the DStv Premiership League (PSL) at the Danie Craven Stadium on 5 August.
“Winning against Orlando Pirates is a big result for us. Orlando Pirates were the runners-up in the league last season and they are one of the biggest clubs in South Africa.” This was according to Liam Bekker, head of media & stakeholder relations for Stellenbosch FC.
Stellenbosch FC ended sixth in the 2022/2023 PSL season.
Stellenbosch FC (left) won its opening match of the DStv Premiership PSL 2023/2024 season against Orlando Pirates (right) at the Danie Craven Stadium on 5 August. Photos: Stefani Terblanche
The winning goal of the match was scored by Antonio van Wyk with an assist from Fawaaz Basadien at the 42-minute mark.
Hard work pays off
“The ethos of our club and of our team is work ethic, community, positivity, accountability, responsibility. And I think we showed all of those facets this evening,” said Steve Barker, coach of Stellenbosch FC, after the match.
He was proud of the work that the players put in during the pre-season, and the tactical awareness that they had on the field during the game, stated Barker.
The grandstand at the Danie Craven Stadium was sold-out for the match between Stellenbosch Football Club and Orlando Pirates on 5 August, according to the Webtickets website. Photos: Stefani Terblanche
Fighting until the end
Orlando Pirates fought until the end, according to Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates. As such, the loss against Stellenbosch FC was “fine”, he said.
“Most of the time we are going to win,” stated Riveiro.
“If I have to lose, I would like to do it like we did today, fighting until the end, creating chances, pushing our opponent to the limit,” explained Riveiro.
The “very poor” field at the Danie Craven Stadium was an obstacle that Orlando Pirates needed to face in their opening match of the 2023/2024 DStv Premiership season on 5 August. This was according to Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates. PHOTOS: Stefani Terblanche
Season ambitions
This “big win” will set the tone for the season going forward, said Bekker.
The ability to start the season with a homeground win has shown how hard the team has worked, according to Bekker. It also highlights the ambition they have to compete at the same level as Orlando Pirates, stated Bekker.