Soccer
Stellenbosch FC vs Orlando Pirates Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: March 11, 2025 Kickoff Time: 17:30 (UK Time) Venue: Athlone Stadium SportsBoom previews the long-awaited Betway Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday, 11 March 2025. The Betway Premiership is heating up and with the next match fast approaching, the pressure is on for punters to make informed decisions. Explore our detailed match preview, where expert analysis and key statistics will assist you to pinpoint the smartest betting strategies at the best football betting sites.
A general view of Athlone Stadium//Getty Images
Following the past weekend’s Nedbank Cup action, Orlando Pirates divert their attention to Betway Premiership commitments, aiming to get back to winning ways after losing significant ground in the race for the league crown with recent setbacks at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants.
Stellenbosch will take confidence from winning the previous match against Orlando Pirates in Soweto and be hoping to do the double to elevate themselves in the log standings.
Despite losing key players in the past 12 months, coach Steve Barker has steadied the ship at Stellies and rebuilt his team that has been impressive on home soil. They’ve lost just one match in the last eight games hosted, boasting four draws with young footballers playing at high intensity.
PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY
ORLANDO PIRATES ARE PRICED AS FAVOURITES
HOME: 170/100 (2.70) – 37,0%
DRAW: 240/100 (3.40) – 29,4%
AWAY: 90/100 (1.90) – 52,6%
*Odds courtesy of Hollywoodbets, subject to change
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Last Five Meetings (PSL)
- 01/12/24: Orlando Pirates 0-1 Stellenbosch FC
- 29/12/23: Orlando Pirates 2-3 Stellenbosch FC
- 05/08/23: Stellenbosch FC 1-0 Orlando Pirates
- 22/01/23: Orlando Pirates 4-1 Stellenbosch FC
- 10/08/22: Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Orlando Pirates
STELLENBOSCH FC: CURRENT FORM – DWDWL
Following their Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash with Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC will switch focus to the Betway Premiership where the Maroons continue their pursuit for a top three finish that would book their tickets to continental football for next season.
Since beating their Soweto rivals 1-0 at Orlando Stadium in early December, Stellies have found their rhythm. Coach Steve Barker's side has shown more fluidity and confidence, with new faces stepping up to bring consistency to the team.
They suffered just one defeat in their last eight home games in the league. They were edged 1-0 at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs, while tallying crucial points from their hard-earned 1-1 stalemates against Polokwane City, Richards Bay, Sekhukhune United and TS Galaxy.
Securing maximum points over Magesi FC, Marumo Gallants and Cape Town City might not be enough to separate themselves from the chasing pack of teams for the top three spots, however, a victory over Orlando Pirates could significantly help in their quest and become the catalyst for a strong finish to this season.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Devin Titus: Featuring more prominently this season, Titus has grabbed his opportunity in the first team with both hands and hasn’t failed to impress. When these teams met at Orlando Stadium, the skilful midfielder scored the only goal of the match to secure maximum points for the Maroons.
- Andre De Jong: Strong in aerial duels, holds the ball up effectively to create space for teammates. A clinical finisher, capable of scoring from any position inside or outside the box and is essential in linking up play. Very similar to the role Olivier Giroud played in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup success.
- Fawaaz Basadien: With a host of his teammates leaving for bigger clubs in South Africa, Basadien looks an odds-on favourite to join Kaizer Chiefs seeing as they are short of quality and depth in the left back position. With three goals and three assists to his name thus far, the attack-minded defender will aim to improve his tally.
STELLENBOSCH FC TEAM NEWS
Stellenbosch must be commended on their approach to South African football. Despite being owned by a billionaire, the focus remains on growing talent within the Western Cape, largely aimed at developing youth players.
During the last 12 months, talented winger Antonio Van Wyk joined SV Ried in the Austrian second division, while Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams have gone on to join the champions Mamelodi Sundowns with former captain Deano Van Rooyen now donning the famous black and white of Orlando Pirates.
Losing the quality of these players took a toll on Stellies during the first half of the campaign, but coach Steve Barker seems to have found the winning formula with a few fresh faces aiming to earn their way into the very best teams by shining for Stellenbosch.
Lehlohonolo Mojela, who scored a wonderful overhead kick against Orlando Pirates in the last MTN8 final, would love to feature in this clash but he will continue his road to recovery after suffering an ACL knee injury.
ORLANDO PIRATES: CURRENT FORM – LWLWW
Orlando Pirates have seen their dreams of wrestling the Betway Premiership title from the mighty grip of Mamelodi Sundowns fade in recent weeks. Coach Jose Riveiro cut a despondent figure in the stands at the Free State Toyota Stadium, unable to steer the Buccaneers from the bench due to suspension after incredibly picking up his fourth yellow card of the season.
Without the Spanish tactician on the touchline, Marumo Gallants, with their immense supporters from Bloemfontein passionately behind them, made it a difficult contest. Underfoot at the home of rugby team Free State Cheetahs, the conditions weren’t conducive at all to play Spanish football combined with South African flair.
Prior to their midweek trip to Port Elizabeth to lock horns with Chippa United, Orlando Pirates have been woeful on their travels. They lost three of their past four away games in the league against Cape Town City (1-0), Mamelodi Sundowns (4-1) and Marumo Gallants (2-0).
The Betway Premiership might be out of touching distance, although the Sea Robbers have to pull up their socks regarding away form in order to reign victorious with a trip to North Africa for their CAF Champions League quarter final tie with Algerian champions MC Alger on the horizon.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Tshegofatso Mabasa: The focal point of attack has been clinical in cup competitions this season, most notably scoring the winner against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League and recently bagging himself a hat-trick against Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup. Mabasa will be aiming to translate his goalscoring form into league goals for the Sea Robbers.
- Makhehlene Makhaula: One of the team's unsung heroes this season, he has become a regular starter thanks to his physicality and hard-working style of play. Operating as a central midfield shield for the backline, he excels in his defensive duties, covering vast areas of the pitch, intercepting passes, and disrupting the opposition's play.
- Deano Van Rooyen: The former Stellies captain is a dynamic defender who balances defensive solidity with efficient offensive support. Quick in recoveries and strong in tackles, capable of intercepting passes and beginning quality build up play. Supports attacks down the right flank with overlapping runs and accurate crosses, always stretching the opposition’s defence when given the license to bomb forward.
ORLANDO PIRATES TEAM NEWS
Coach Riveiro will be eager for Patrick Maswanganyi to make his return after the influential midfielder was forced off with an injury during the win over Cape Town City, subsequently missing the defeat to Marumo Gallants where the Buccaneers were visibly lacking a creative force and a cutting edge.
In the heart of defence, Thabiso Sesane has been a significant loss after suffering a ruptured tendon during the 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United, one month ago. The 24-year-old is expected to undergo surgery in the upcoming weeks, while Nigerian centre-back Olisa Ndah continues his race to full fitness.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Stellenbosch FC, 4-2-3-1: Stephens; Godswill, Toure, Moloisane, Basadien; Palace, Jabaar; Titus, Lekoloane, De Jong; Nku.
Orlando Pirates, 4-2-3-1: Chaine; Van Rooyen, Xoki, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Shandu, Dlamini, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
SUGGESTED BETS
If you’re eager to bet on the Betway Premiership, South Africa’s leading soccer betting sites provide ample betting choices and generous welcome bonuses to maximize your first deposit.
Orlando Pirates To Score In Both Halves – No: During their last five trips to Stellenbosch FC in the league, Orlando Pirates have failed score in both halves, making this an excellent option to begin with despite the meagre odds. (8/10 with Betway)
Stellenbosch FC Total (Total 0.5) Over 0.5 Goals: The Maroons have scored in six of the past seven league games against Orlando Pirates, making this another valuable bet with little to no risk factor. (6/10 with Betway)
Stellenbosch FC To Win Either Half - Yes: Three of the past five meetings between these teams in Western Cape have seen this option come through with flying colours even though it’s not the most popular option. (12/10 with 10bet)
VALUE BETS
Double Chance & Totals - Stellenbosch FC/Draw & Under 3.5 Goals: Four of the last five matches between these opponents lead us in the direction of this bet. A low-scoring affair is expected with Stellenbosch being tough to break down on home turf. (125/100 with Supabets)
Draw: For a lucrative bet, dive into this option seeing as Stellenbosch have drawn four of their past eight home games. It has a lot of risk yet could prove rewarding. (240/100 with Hollywoodbets)
Correct Score: 1-1. The option with the most risk yet incredible odds on offer for the brave punter, aiming to build up their balance for the weekend’s matches. (980/100 with Betfred)
PREDICTION: DRAW
Stellenbosch have been a tough nut to crack in the Western Cape and seem to have changed gears as we approach the business end of the campaign. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ season appears to be falling apart with a few devastating losses leaving the men in black resigned to the fact of Mamelodi Sundowns lifting the league title yet again. In recent matches, Stellenbosch have had their edge over Orlando Pirates winning the last three encounters. With Orlando Pirates seeking to get back to winning ways, a tough contest is expected in a tactical low-scoring affair.
Bryan Naicker is an enthusiastic sports writer, specializing in football and cricket. Completely in love with the quality of UEFA Champions League, Spanish La Liga and English Premier League football. However, been known to dabble in less popular leagues, providing previews, tips and analysis for various sports betting websites.
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