Stellenbosch FC will be looking to return to winning ways when the face Orbit College at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday night.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
While all eyes have been focused on Orlando Pirates’ bid to wrest the championship title from Mamelodi Sundowns for the first time in close to a decade, the battle for a place in next season’s MTN8 has almost gone unnoticed.
Five teams remain in contention for the possible last two spots, with Durban City in 7th place on 38 points leading the way. The Nedbank Cup champions are followed by Golden Arrows (8th) on 37, while Siwelele (9th), Stellenbosch (10th), and Richards Bay (11th) are all tied on 33 points.
Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch are still firmly in the dogfight after a tumultuous 2025/26 campaign.
With Hunt having rescued the team from a relegation scrap earlier in the season after long-time coach Steve Barker’s departure, he will need to try to eke out six points from the last two matches of the season to remain in contention.
The experienced mentor had earlier stated that his team needed a maximum haul of nine points from their last three matches following their defeat to Orlando Pirates last week. Unfortunately, they could only manage a goalless draw against Durban City last Friday evening in Chatsworth.
However, the remainder of the weekend’s results favoured Stellenbosch, which kept the Winelands outfit—the sole remaining Western Cape team in the Premiership—in the hunt for a top-eight spot.
Stellenbosch face a must-win encounter against Orbit College at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday night.
Hunt has a favourable record at the venue since arriving in January, but unfortunately, his team has not been able to play many games at their designated home ground this season due to a variety of factors.
The Maroons will certainly want to give their supporters something to cherish in the final home fixture of the season.
Stellies have already overcome Orbit College this season, coming from behind in a spirited performance to claim a 2-1 victory with just 10 men after centre-back Thabo Moloisane was given his marching orders by the referee for a second bookable offence.
Orbit College will, however, be no pushovers; the Premiership newcomers will be desperately fighting for survival, currently sitting just one point above the relegation zone.