Cape Town City FC, Stellenbosch FC take aim at Soweto giants in Premiership clashes

The Betway Premiership's hectic fixture schedule continues this week, with Cape sides targeting the PSL’s blue-eyed boys, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Following their shaky Nedbank Cup quarter-final win over SuperSport United on Saturday, Pirates will head to the Mother City for a clash against Stellenbosch at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The mood in the Pirates camp will be buoyant after securing victory in a penalty shoot-out against a SuperSport side missing their suspended master tactician, Gavin Hunt. The win keeps them on course for a Nedbank Cup three-peat as they advance to the semi-finals.

Had Stellenbosch gotten their way, the match would have been played on Wednesday, but the PSL and Pirates reportedly declined their request.

Against this backdrop, Jose Riveiro and his title-chasing Buccaneers won’t receive a warm welcome at Athlone Stadium. Not that it will matter to Riveiro — Stellenbosch will likely feel like the away side, with Pirates supporters expected to dominate the stands.

Beyond securing three vital points to keep their Premiership aspirations alive, Pirates will also have a close look at two potential transfer targets — Thabo Moloisane and Ivorian Olivier Toure.

With so much at stake, both Stellenbosch and Pirates are expected to field their strongest line-ups, leaving squad rotation as an afterthought. However, Riveiro will need to manage his squad wisely, with a massive clash against Mamelodi Sundowns looming on Sunday.

Stellenbosch also has a Sunday fixture, traveling to face Sekhukhune United in Polokwane. According to the latest grapevine, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker may reunite with familiar faces — Eric Tinkler and Marc van Heerden.

Reports suggest that former Cape Town City coach Tinkler is set to be named Sekhukhune United’s new head coach, with ex-City and Stellenbosch defender Van Heerden joining him as an assistant.

Meanwhile, Cape Town City enjoyed a free weekend after being eliminated from the Nedbank Cup. They now turn their attention to a Wednesday clash at FNB Stadium against Kaizer Chiefs, who recently booked their place in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.

Chiefs may struggle to shake off the effects of Saturday’s high-intensity battle against Stellenbosch and could find themselves slightly vulnerable. Experienced City tactician Mushin Ertugral will likely sense this and instruct his side to press Chiefs aggressively from the start, aiming to unsettle their opponents early.

The win over Stellenbosch has given Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi some breathing room, but their Premiership form needs significant improvement. Otherwise, the club risks finishing outside the top eight once again.

Nabi will be well aware of what to expect, especially after Riveiro’s recent comment: "When Cape teams play Chiefs and Pirates, they run an extra mile."

It’s a fair point — Cape-based sides have often enjoyed success against the Soweto giants, appearing more motivated and energetic in these encounters.

Both technical teams will also have an eye on their weekend commitments. City will host Marumo Gallants, who recently defeated Pirates 2-0, while Chiefs will travel to face an ever-improving Richards Bay on Saturday.