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Genino Palace, Stellenbosch FC & Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates, March 2024Backpagepix
Dumisani Koyana

'Orlando Pirates are dying, piece by piece! Too much possession that doesn't hurt Stellenbosch FC is useless - Mamelodi Sundowns are going to kill us again, but let’s focus on Caf and the Nedbank Cup' - Fans

José Riveiro’s side drops two points, failing to catch Masandawana, and the pressure piles up with 12 league games left.

Orlando Pirates faced Stellenbosch with hopes of securing maximum points as they continued their chase to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns, heading into the match in Cape Town, the deficit stood at 16 points, but it widened to 18 after Masandawana’s victory over AmaZulu.

At Athlone Stadium, Stellies defender Brian Onyango was sent off, yet Pirates failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage. The single point earned felt more like a loss, as Sundowns continue to pull away at the top. Frustrated supporters have been vocal about the team's struggles and missed opportunities.

GOAL has gathered fan reactions reflecting the divided opinions on the result in the Mother City.

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  • PSL Referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa and Stellenbosch PlayersBackpage

    Beating Stellenbosch is not everyone’s cup of tea

    Beating Stellenbosch is not everyone’s cup of tea, and the only thing that separates Pirates and Arsenal is location. – Tyson Ixy

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  • Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates and referee Akhona MakalimaBackpage

    Very disappointing game indeed

    Too much possession that doesn't hurt the opponent is useless. 💥💥💥 Very disappointing game indeed. You couldn't even tell Stellies were a man down in the first half. I can now confirm that the league is gone because, even with games in hand, Pirates seem to be losing their touch with each game. Our top players are not stepping up anymore. – Sbusiso Madlala

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, SuperSport United vs Orlando Pirates, March 2025Backpagepix

    The Pirates I know

    The Pirates I know... If they start the league well, they finish badly. But if they start badly, they fight for a good spot towards the end. Some of you will understand what I’m trying to say. – Philasande Philasand

  • Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Sundowns are now 18 points clear

    Sundowns are now 18 points clear of Orlando Pirates. It’s over. – Pat Mokgophana

  • Tshegofatso Mabasa, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    They couldn't score a goal

    They couldn't score a goal for a whole 75 minutes against 10-man Stellenbosch. 🤔🤔🤔🤔 – Lucas Mtsweni

  • Hlompho Kekana, Mamelpdi Sundowns, June 2021Backpagepix

    Our league has gradually turned into a farmers' league

    Our league has gradually turned into a farmers' league. 😢 I only watch cup games because they are more interesting. Even next season, we know Sundowns will win the league. – Philani Dladla

  • Orlando Pirates fansBackpagepix

    I gave up a long time ago

    Nothing new. I gave up a long time ago. Let’s focus on CAF and the Nedbank Cup. – Zanzolo Tshangisa

  • Evidence Makgopa, Orlando Pirates, August 2024Backpagepix

    So they couldn’t even score a goal

    So they couldn’t even score a goal against 10-man Stellenbosch FC? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 – Pilelo Mathebula

  • Sikhumbuzo Gasa, Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs, March 2025Backpagepix

    Stellenbosch is not for everyone

    Winning against Stellenbosch is not for everyone. 😆 – Msotra Maradona

  • Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Come Sunday, they will be crying

    Come Sunday, they will be crying about a wet pitch while Ribeiro is busy running non-stop. Marole Mogale. – Cedric Makofane

  • Mamelodi Sundowns fans, December 2024 Backpagepix

    Sundowns are going to kill us again

    Pirates failed to score despite having a man advantage. 🤦🏽‍♂️ My team is dying, piece by piece. 🤞🏽 Sundowns are going to kill us again. Trust me or not, I’m telling you. 😔 It’s not that I’ve lost hope, but Pirates just can’t stand strong against Sundowns. 🖤 – Thupza Thupza

  • Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates, September 2024Backpagepix

    They were defending the whole game

    They didn’t give us any threats. They were defending the whole game. – Kamogelo Setlhako