Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

These clubs met a year ago in the final of the same competition as Pirates won 3-1 in controversial fashion.

Match: Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch
When: Saturday, 13 September 2025

Orlando Pirates Form

Bucs had a difficult start to this season, losing their first two PSL matches. A 1-0 home loss to Sekhukhune United was followed by a late 2-1 defeat at Marumo Gallants. They’re five matches unbeaten since then, starting with a 1-1 home draw vs Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg.

After beating Stellenbosch 1-0 at home as they outshot their opponents 15-6, the Sea Robbers beat Sundowns on penalties after drawing 1-1 in the MTN8 semi-final second leg. Two league victories have preceded this final, winning 1-0 at home to Orbit College and 3-0 at Chippa United as they put up 1.98 xG to just 0.24 xG for the Chilli Boys.

Orlando Pirates Team News

Pirates have a major doubt over long-term injury Olisa Ndah in defence. Nkosinathi Sibisi is back in training and will push Lebone Seema for a place at centre back.

Makhehlene Makhaula is nearing a comeback in midfield after an injury. Relebogile Mofokeng is set to start after international duty whilst Patrick Maswanganyi needs a late fitness test in the number ten role.

Orlando Pirates Motivation

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be highly motivated to win his first trophy with the club. A defeat would ramp up early pressure on the coach.

Pirates are expected to try to dominate the match and to get lots of bodies forward.

Stellenbosch Form

The Winelands Club have had a difficult start to their league campaign. Their opening three fixtures in the PSL saw just one point accrued. They lost 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs with ten men in their opening match despite having 12 shots in the first half. A 1-1 draw at Magesi followed.

Stellies reached this final by beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 at home and drawing the second leg 1-1 away. Between those fixtures was a 1-0 loss away to Orlando Pirates as they were outplayed throughout.

Their last two results have been a 1-0 home win over Marumo Gallants and a 1-0 home loss to Mamelodi Sundowns as they managed just two shots and 0.14 xG in a tepid display.

Stellenbosch Team News

Stellies saw their key centre back Thabo Maloisane go off with a head injury on international duty. His involvement in this final is very much in doubt. Young defender Athenkosi Mcaba is on standby to deputise.

Ashley Cupido has missed the last four matches in attack due to injury. Either Lehlohonolo Mojela or Andre De Jong are set to play as the number nine in this one.

Stellenbosch Motivation

Stellies will be extra motivated to avenge last season’s loss to Pirates. They are chasing just their second ever trophy.
Coach Steve Barker won’t care about possession numbers. Stellenbosch could sit back and look to hit Pirates with fast counter attacks.

Key Stats

Orlando Pirates have won 3 of their last 4 matches

Orlando Pirates have seen Under 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches

Stellenbosch have avoided defeat in 4 of their last 6 matches vs Pirates (3 wins, 1 draw)

Stellenbosch have lost 3 of their last 7 matches

Verdict

An exciting final awaits in Mbombela. Stellies have shown they can beat Pirates but a draw in 90 minutes looks like the best bet.

Best Bet: Draw

High Value Bet: Score Draw

Correct Score Tip: Orlando Pirates 1-1 Stellenbosch (90 mins)