Stellenbosch do not fear Orlando Pirates in Cape Town
Team captain Jarrod Moroole is eager to face the Buccaneers on Saturday
23 October 2019 - 17:02
byMark Gleeson
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Iqraam Rayners of Stellenbosch, Happy Jele (captain)of Orlando Pirates and Ntsikelelo Nyauza of Orlando Pirates during the Telkom Knockout 2019, Last 16 match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch. Picture: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI
After nine seasons playing in the National First Division (NFD)‚ Stellenbosch FC skipper Jarrod Moroole is ready for the game of his career against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
He missed out playing against the Buccaneers last weekend in the Telkom Knockout because of a slight hamstring twinge but is in contention to be fielded in the return encounter between the two clubs‚ this time in the league and at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It will be the first appearance for Stellenbosch at the World Cup venue‚ another source of much excitement for the top-flight rookies‚ whose own venue in the Winelands is being renovated to bring it up to Premier Soccer League (PSL) standards.
“I’ve been playing in the NFD for nine seasons‚ so for me to get to the PSL is a big achievement. It’s so different‚ different class‚” the 28-year-old midfielder enthused on Wednesday after the Stellenbosch squad were given only one hour to train on the slick surface.
“What a big opportunity against such a big team. It will be so nice to play in front of our families‚ friends and supporters.
“It’s a good challenge to see where we are and if we beat them‚ we go above them [in the PSL log standings].
“There is a real buzz in the camp. Everyone wants to get that opportunity to play. Everyone is fighting for a chance.
“It’s history for Stellenbosch to play one of these big teams.”
Moroole said Stellenbosch could beat Pirates by playing balls over the top of their fragile defence, but they would be looking to keep more possession.
“We need to play a little bit quicker‚ we have to give them what they are giving us.”
He said he was impressed with the performance of a second-string Stellenbosch side last Saturday at Orlando Stadium.
“In the game we actually defended quite well, but Orlando Pirates are a good team‚” he said. “They have been in the PSL for a long time.
“They will be playing for their fans and for themselves and they will need to win because they have to keep themselves up with the frontrunners.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Stellenbosch do not fear Orlando Pirates in Cape Town
Team captain Jarrod Moroole is eager to face the Buccaneers on Saturday
After nine seasons playing in the National First Division (NFD)‚ Stellenbosch FC skipper Jarrod Moroole is ready for the game of his career against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
He missed out playing against the Buccaneers last weekend in the Telkom Knockout because of a slight hamstring twinge but is in contention to be fielded in the return encounter between the two clubs‚ this time in the league and at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It will be the first appearance for Stellenbosch at the World Cup venue‚ another source of much excitement for the top-flight rookies‚ whose own venue in the Winelands is being renovated to bring it up to Premier Soccer League (PSL) standards.
“I’ve been playing in the NFD for nine seasons‚ so for me to get to the PSL is a big achievement. It’s so different‚ different class‚” the 28-year-old midfielder enthused on Wednesday after the Stellenbosch squad were given only one hour to train on the slick surface.
“What a big opportunity against such a big team. It will be so nice to play in front of our families‚ friends and supporters.
“It’s a good challenge to see where we are and if we beat them‚ we go above them [in the PSL log standings].
“There is a real buzz in the camp. Everyone wants to get that opportunity to play. Everyone is fighting for a chance.
“It’s history for Stellenbosch to play one of these big teams.”
Moroole said Stellenbosch could beat Pirates by playing balls over the top of their fragile defence, but they would be looking to keep more possession.
“We need to play a little bit quicker‚ we have to give them what they are giving us.”
He said he was impressed with the performance of a second-string Stellenbosch side last Saturday at Orlando Stadium.
“In the game we actually defended quite well, but Orlando Pirates are a good team‚” he said. “They have been in the PSL for a long time.
“They will be playing for their fans and for themselves and they will need to win because they have to keep themselves up with the frontrunners.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Yagan Sasman reveals link to Shaun Bartlett in surprise signing by Chiefs
Orlando Pirates coach predicts Thembinkosi Lorch will get even better
Stellenbosch to use different approach in second meeting with Orlando Pirates
McCarthy: ‘The referee was terrible‚ he might as well have put on a Kaizer ...
You feel a bit sorry for the opponent‚ says Chiefs coach Middendorp
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.