Orlando Pirates will overcome Stellenbosch- Ncikazi

Orlando Pirates FC assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has explained why he thinks his side will overcome Stellenbosch FC in the top-flight league of South Africa on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

He spoke to Pirates’ media ahead of the away game against the Stellies at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Kick off is 7:30pm Southern African Time.

Ncikazi stressed the importance of amassing all maximum points that come their way in what is a tight Premier Soccer League run-win.

Ncikazi on Pirates’ point of focus

“The preparation is just straightforward; three points are vital,” the coach said. “We are focusing on the process of gathering the points in the tough conditions of Cape Town.

“Tough conditions give us the challenge to get the best out of us. We just want to perform. We just want to focus on our game-plan. We just want to perform and outscore the opponents. With what is happening at the club and being prepared, I think we will overcome Stellenbosch.”

Next UP ▶️ @StellenboschFC

🎤 Assistant Coach | Mandla Ncikazi

“The preparation is just straightforward; three points are vital. We are focusing on the process of gathering the points in the tough conditions in Cape Town.”

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/bBgfFKpRJl

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 4, 2026

Neck-to-neck Betway Premiership title race

The Soweto giants are in a neck-to-neck race with pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership title.

Therefore, Buccaneers cannot afford to drop any point in the remaining four games against Stellenbosch FC, Magesi FC, Durban City and Orbit College FC.

Sundowns lead the standings, five points ahead of second place Pirates who have a game in hand.

The maximum tally for the Pretoria-based giants—assuming they win all their remaining four games— is 73 points while the Soweto giants can go as far as 71 points.

Therefore, Miguel Cardoso’s Sundowns just need seven points from their remaining maximum of nine to shrug off competition from the Buccaneers, who need to win all their remaining games at all costs to grab the championship.