Pirates are big favourites to advance
That 94th minute Deon Hotto goal in the first leg was massive. That strike not only gave Orlando Pirates a first leg lead but also two away goals. It means that even a 1-0 Stellenbosch FC win at Orlando Stadium will not be enough. Much the same way that Mamelodi Sundowns can progress with a 0-0 draw against Kaizer Chiefs, those strikes on the road are so valuable. With Mthethwa protecting space in front of the back four, it made sense to move slightly wider to get some separation from The Ox’s aggressive marking. Maswanganyi was great at creating wide overloads, getting shots away, turning between the lines and having an excellent final ball. Not many players domestically are currently playing as well as him! Once again, this battle will have a key say in who reaches the MTN8 final.
Set-plays are key
Despite being down to 10 men, Stellies took a lead in that first match three weeks ago from a set-piece. An out-swinging Fawaaz Basadien corner from the left was headed home by Olivier Toure. Although Sipho Chaine could have saved the effort, it shows the danger the Winelands club will pose from dead balls. In fact, with Deano Van Rooyen suffering from concussion, it could mean former Baroka FC right back Basil Mphahlele is in the starting XI. He boasts one of the best long-throws around and don’t be surprised to see Steve Barker’s side send their centrebacks forward for these deliveries, although Toure’s absence after getting a red card against Moroka Swallows on Tuesday is a big blow. That said, the centre-backs bombing forward to attack set-pieces could still be a totally new weapon from the first encounter.
Maswanganyi v The Ox – Will the real Man of the Match please stand up!
The Patrick Maswanganyi v Sibongiseni Mthethwa battle was highlighted as key before the first leg. In the end, the Buccaneers midfielder took the Man of the Match award, something Barker wasn’t happy with. The former SuperSport United man assisted both goals for the Soweto giants, picking up the ball in the half-spaces and delivering accurate crosses.
Titus pace could make the difference
Stellies have really missed the speed of Devin Titus on the right wing. He netted seven goals last term and is usually the man to carry the ball or charge into space on counter-attacks. His red card against Chiefs in the league saw him suspended for the first leg without a natural replacement. His return for this game will mean Iqraam Rayners has more support and it could also drive Paseka Mako back into defensive positions after he had such a big influence going forward in the first leg. We know Stellenbosch had amongst the lowest possession numbers in the PSL in 2022/23, around the 10th-most, and they won’t care if the Sea Robbers monopolise the ball. It will be all about how much penetration and speed they can muster when the ball turns over to exploit spaces down the sides. If they score the first goal, it will be game on! However, Bucs netting first will mean the visitors need two goals just to send the game into extra-time.