Orlando Pirates have to beat struggling Stellenbosch FC today!

Orlando Pirates have to win their clash against Stellenbosch FC in order to keep their hopes of playing in Africa next season alive.

The Buccaneers travel to the Danie Craven Stadium this afternoon.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

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For Orlando Pirates to have any hope of playing in Africa next season they finish their season as strongly as possible.

They are facing a side trying to stay in the DStv Premiership. Stellenbosch are in a tight relegation battle so it’s all to play for today for both sides!

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Stellenbosch struggle for survival status

They are in a three-way struggle for survival with Maritzburg United and Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) – all on 25 points.

They are all just one point clear of 15th-placed Chippa United.

The Winelands outfit is winless in their last eight DStv Premiership matches. Coach Steve Barker is focused on the task at hand – survival.

‘We need to focus on our energies ahead. We obviously have a big game against Pirates. We have shown that we are competitive against any team in this league. We need to show the resilience and show the confidence and belief in what we are able to achieve‘, Stellies coach Barker stated.

Orlando Pirates poised to pounce into Africa

Pirates sit in fourth position on the table and need to win their remaining matches to ensure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

They are currently one point behind Golden Arrows who occupy third place, but have a game in hand.

The side finishing third automatically qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season. This is a bare minimum for Zinnbauer’s Bucs given the magnitude of the history of Orlando Pirates.

Pirates have five games left and cannot afford to drop points today. They will also be heavily focused on this weekend’s CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash against Morocco’s Raja Casablanca.

This presents the Soweto giants with a final chance at silverware this season.

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