“Three Points Is Vital” – Ncikazi Sets Clear Target as Pirates Face Stellenbosch in Crucial Title Race Clash

With the Betway Premiership title race entering a decisive phase, Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has made the team’s objective unmistakably clear ahead of their clash against Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town this evening – maximum points. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:30.

Speaking to the club’s media ahead of the fixture, Ncikazi expressed confidence in the Buccaneers’ readiness despite the challenges posed by playing away from home.

“The preparation is straightforward – three points are vital,” Ncikazi said. “We are focusing on the process of collecting points in tough conditions in Cape Town. These conditions challenge us to get the best out of ourselves.

“We want to focus on our game plan, perform, and outscore the opponent. With the level of preparation from the players, I believe we will overcome Stellenbosch.”

Pirates head into the clash sitting second on the Betway Premiership table with 59 points from 26 matches. They trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by five points but still hold a crucial game in hand – keeping their title ambitions firmly within reach.

With the race so tightly contested, every fixture from this point forward carries significant weight, turning tonight’s clash into a must-win encounter.

Encouragingly for Pirates, form has been on their side. The Buccaneers are unbeaten in their last nine league matches, although momentum was slightly checked by a draw in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs over a week ago.

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi (Image: Orlando Pirates)

Stellenbosch, meanwhile, approach the match from a different perspective. The Cape Winelands outfit currently sit 10th on the table with 32 points after 26 matches and remain within reach of the top eight.

While inconsistency has affected their campaign, there have been signs of improvement in 2026. However, a recent defeat to Polokwane City slowed their progress heading into this fixture.

Historically, Stellenbosch have proven to be difficult opponents for Pirates. In their last five league meetings, Stellies have recorded three wins, compared to just one for Pirates, with one draw.

That said, Pirates claimed the advantage in the reverse fixture earlier this season, edging a narrow 1–0 victory.

Stellenbosch will be without striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who is ineligible to face his parent club under the terms of his loan agreement. The hosts will also miss influential centre-back Thabo Moloisane due to suspension.

With Pirates chasing the title and Stellenbosch pushing for a top-eight finish, the clash at Athlone Stadium carries significant implications at both ends of the table.

For Pirates, the equation is simple: win and keep the pressure on Sundowns. For Stellenbosch, it’s an opportunity to disrupt the title race while boosting their own ambitions.

As kickoff approaches, the spotlight will be on whether Pirates can deliver on Ncikazi’s promise – or if Stellenbosch can once again prove to be a stumbling block in their path.