As the new DSTV Premiership season kicked off, the target is to upstage the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a stranglehold on the title after winning it four times in a row.
While the defending champions kicked off their campaign on a winning note, their challengers, particularly Orlando Pirates, started with a stumble.
The Buccaneers were held to a 2-2 draw against Stellenbosch, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of assistant coach Fadlu Davids.
Stellenbosch took the lead in the second minute through Waseem Isaacs but were pegged back by Deon Hotto in the 18th minute. Despite going down to ten men after Ntsikelelo Nyauza received his marching orders in the 41st minute, they still went ahead in the 49th minute through Goodman Mosele. Judas Moseamedi, however, scored in the 55th minute ensured that Stellenbosch went home with a share of the spoils.
After the draw, Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids identified an area of the Pirates game that needs attention. He believes the team will improve if they attend to that area of their game.
“The way we start games is something we need to address, going behind so early,” Davids told SuperSport after the game.
“Deflection, yes. You can say it’s against the run of play and losing the ball in midfield and then a deflection. The red card didn’t help us as well. Character was shown by the boys. After restructuring the system and the shape, the character and the fight to play ten men for most of the game was really good.
“I think after we conceded the goal, we were really on top, creating chances, having the advantages in the areas we wanted to. Creating opportunities, getting the equalizer, and we were on the front foot just before we got the red card. It made us have to restructure.”
“Then again, the fight in the second half to go a goal ahead, but unfortunately, we have to work on these things. We’re not happy with a point, although we had ten men we expected to win. But we regroup, and we have a game on Tuesday.”