Sebelebele strike breathes life into Orlando Pirates as Stellenbosch looms

Hope was rekindled when new signing Kamogelo Sebelebele made an immediate impact at his new club, levelling the score for Orlando Pirates in their MTN8 semi-final first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns this past Saturday.

The goal was not only a significant milestone for the former TS Galaxy midfielder but also a timely boost for a team that had endured a lacklustre start to the season, restoring belief in what had been expected before the campaign began.

While it is understandable that a new coach and several fresh faces are part of the equation, the reality remains that results are what ultimately matter. Heading into the crucial midweek clash against Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm kick-off), securing a positive outcome will be at the forefront of the team’s priorities.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made an effort to hit the reset button by reintroducing key players from the Jose Riveiro era, including Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, in his starting line-up. Their influence on the pitch was noticeable, some more than others, but perhaps Ouaddou’s greatest achievement was restoring fan faith.

The line-up closely reflected what supporters had been calling for, resulting in unity rather than dissent.

That said, fans’ preferences should not dictate team selection.

Still, their observations hold some merit: too many new additions can hinder chemistry, and while opportunities to score had presented themselves in the first two matches, the spark to break through was often missing. Sebelebele’s goal may have been the first sign of that spark finally igniting, but the question remains whether they will be able to carry the momentum.

Pirates now face a Stellies side that edged them 1-0 in their last visit to the notoriously challenging Slaughter House, the nickname affectionately given to the Pirates’ home ground. A solid result against the Cape Winelands side would not only help Pirates get back on track but also build momentum ahead of Saturday’s second-leg clash with Sundowns.

Ouaddou has shown faith not only in the newcomers but also in the young players stepping up in the absence of injured regular skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, in only his first full season since promotion from the youth ranks, has been holding the fort admirably. His performances have exceeded expectations for his age, earning praise from Ouaddou.

“Let me be very honest, I have to be careful with compliments because I worry that they might stop working,” Ouaddou said.

“If he continues to work hard, maintain professionalism, and live a disciplined lifestyle, he has a bright future ahead. What I saw against Sundowns was a performance worthy of big European clubs, and we are thrilled to have him here at Pirates, also a big club in Africa, but he must keep working.”

At just 19-years old, Mbokazi is already taking on responsibilities typically reserved for senior players. His early success, however, does not lessen the importance of the challenges ahead.

The upcoming fixture against Stellies will be just as critical, testing both the young defender and the team’s collective resilience under pressure, especially on the back of their two shocking opening losses.