Chumani Butsaka netted a brace of goals as Stellenbosch FC boosted their hopes of a top eight finish in the Betway Premiership with a 2-0 win over Orbit College at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Maroons broke a four-game winless streak and rose to ninth place on the log, three points off eighth spot – currently occupied by Durban City.
The Mswenko Boys, meanwhile, ended a three-game unbeaten run and remained in 15th place – the relegation playoff berth.
Stellenbosch got off to a flying start at home, claiming the lead in just the fourth minute with a sweeping attacking move which saw Devin Titus provide a low cross for Chumani Butsaka, who sidefooted home with a left-footed shot for 1-0.
The hosts threatened a second goal shortly before the half-hour mark, as Lengelihle Phili’s low cross was deflected up and into the path of Tshegofatso Mabasa, but his header on target was plucked out of the air by Orbit goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane.
In that incident, Mabasa clashed heads with Given Thibedi, who was stretchered off and substituted by 43-year-old Atisang Batsi – further entrenching his record as the oldest outfield player in PSL history.
Orbit were close to levelling the game deep in injury time before the interval, with a corner kick producing an effort which flashed just wide of the near post – leaving the game 1-0 in favour of Stellies at halftime.
The Mswenko Boys threatened again 10 minutes into the second half, with Gomolemo Khoto striking on target from a free kick wide on the right flank, but Stellies goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke tipped the ball over the bar.
The Maroons doubled their advantage midway through the second half, with Kazie Enyinnaya crossing from the right to pick out the late run of Butsaka – this time he finished into the bottom corner with the right foot for his second of the game.
Butsaka had a glaring chance to complete a hat-trick in the 85th minute when Moerane dropped a long-range range shot at the midfielder’s feet, but he blazed over from close range range – his last touch before being substituted.
There was even time for Stellies goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt, who has announced his retirement from professional football, to come on as a substitute and make one outstanding save just before the final whistle – a fitting farewell to a faithful servant to the beautiful game.
The teams will complete their Premiership campaigns next Saturday, 23 May, with Stellenbosch away to Marumo Gallants and Orbit at home to Orlando Pirates.
Stellenbosch FC (1) 2 (Butsaka 4’ 67’)
Orbit College 0
Stellenbosch: Masuluke (Langeveldt 90+2’), Enyinnaya, Moloisane (Stanic 86’), Lebusa, Tiwani, Andrieas, Butsaka (Abrahams 86’), Palace, Phili, Titus (April 86’), Mabasa (Cupido 69’)
Orbit: Moerane, Vilakazi, Nhlapo (Cwinyane 89’), Mgeshane, Madiba, Thibedi (Batsi 34’), Lesako, Setlhodi (Masangane 46’), Mabele, Khoto (Mariko 65’), Malatsi (Ngiba 89’)