Stellenbosch’s Mendieta set to miss Pirates clash

Stellenbosch FC have been dealt a massive blow as their standout performer Junior Mendieta will miss the DStv Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates.

Steve Barker’s men will travel to Soweto to face Orlando Pirates on Sunday afternoon (15:30), 22 January without their key player Junior Mendieta, who will be serving a one-match suspension.

Mendieta received his fourth yellow card of the 2022/23 season in Stellenbosch’s most recent league game against Sekhukhune United.

WHY MENDIETA’S ABSENCE IS A MASSIVE BLOW FOR STELLIES

The 29-year-old Argentine star’s involvement in the Stellenbosch team has been key this season, putting in several impressive performances on the left wing.

Mendieta has scored five goals and provided four assists in all competitions for Stellies campaign.

And with Stellenbosch taking on a big club like Pirates, the absences of Mendieta will leave a big void in the attack of the team.

The attacker is joint with likes of Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, Bradley Grobler and Peter Shalulile, for the highest involvement in goals for their respective teams in the league this season.

Earlier this season, when the two locked horns, the Argentine was on the scoreboard after he gave his team an equaliser which cancelled out the Pirates’ goal from Nkosinathi Sibisi, allowing Stellies to walk away with a point at home.

MENDIETA’S RECORD AGAINST SOWETO TEAMS

Mendieta’s scoring record against Soweto teams did not just end with Pirates this season, but it extended to the other two teams in that township.

He has a hundred per cent scoring record against Soweto teams so far this season. Mendieta scored the winning goal against Swallows FC in a 2-1 win for Stellies and a consolation goal against Kaizer Chiefs in a 3-1 loss.

This kind of record for Medieta against Soweto teams is also a clear indication that his absence will be a miss for the Cape side against Pirates.

In addition, Mendieta’s positive influence in the Stellenbosch team has been consistent since his arrival in the 2020/21 season.

In 65 games that he played for Stellenbosch; the left footed winger netted 10 goals, while turning provider 10 times.

His 10th goal happened to be the 100th goal for the Cape side in topflight since their maiden season in the DSTV Premiership in the 2019/20.

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