Stellenbosch FC head coach Gavin Hunt cut a frustrated figure after his side conceded twice in quick succession before halftime against Orlando Pirates.
Stellies looked on course to reach the break level, but goals from Patrick Maswanganyi and Evidence Makgopa handed the Buccaneers a commanding two-goal cushion.
The Cape Winelands outfit pushed for a response in the second half, but Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side held firm to secure a 2-0 victory at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Speaking after the match, Hunt pointed to avoidable defensive lapses as the turning point.
“We didn’t expect to concede from those situations, you know what I mean. If my centre-back doesn’t want to head the ball, then I’ve got a problem,” he said.
Despite the setback, Hunt praised his squad’s overall progress this season.
“We’ve done well with the players we have to get where we are. It’s been an absolute miracle what we’ve achieved since January. Right now, we can’t compete with these teams, but next year, for sure. There are a lot of players who shouldn’t be here.”
Stellenbosch were also without Tshegofatso Mabasa, who was ineligible to face his parent club, limiting their attacking options.
Hunt left frustrated after Pirates defeat at home
The win lifts Pirates to 62 points with three matches remaining in the Betway Premiership. The Buccaneers must win all their remaining fixtures and hope Mamelodi Sundowns drop points in their final games to keep their title hopes alive.