Stellenbosch FC produced the kind of late drama that leaves fans breathless and opponents heartbroken, rallying from behind to beat Orbit College 2-1 on Wednesday night. It was a chilly midweek Betway Premiership clash in Rustenburg, but the ending was fiery enough to warm every Maroons supporter watching.
Orbit Start Strong But Stellies Keep Knocking
Orbit College entered the match under real pressure after their heavy 4-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs, and early on it looked like they had steadied themselves. Sekhoane Moerane, back between the posts, was tested almost immediately when Devon Titus fired off a sharp first-time strike, but the keeper reacted quickly to keep it out.
Stellies, fresh from a last-gasp CAF Confederation Cup win on the weekend, looked lively. Muzomuhle Khanyi nearly found the opener with a perfectly placed header that skimmed the top corner. The visitors were clearly in control of the tempo, but Orbit refused to fold.
Then, just as the first half was winding down, the hosts found their moment. A clever exchange involving Monnapule Saleng opened space for Mbulelo Wagaba, who curled a beautiful shot into the far corner. It was a real gut punch for Stellies, who had done most of the probing.
Stellies Bring On Energy And Intent
Coach Steve Barker wasted no time refreshing his midfield, introducing Langelihle Phili after the break. The youngster made an immediate impact, adding pace and aggression that forced Orbit to rethink their build-up.
Orbit were still dangerous, though. Saleng nearly doubled their lead with a thunderous long-range free-kick that pushed Sage Stephens into a full-stretch save. For a while, Stellies looked stuck in frustration, unable to turn possession into real danger.
A Red Card And A Revival
With ten minutes to go, Stellies’ night took a sharp turn when defender Thabo Moloisane was sent off for a late challenge. A second yellow. Down to ten men. Trailing. Away from home.
Normally, that’s when you pack it in. But this Stellies side seems to have developed a taste for dramatic finishes.
A minute into added time, Thato Khiba – fresh off the bench – connected with a brilliant volley that flew past Moerane. Suddenly it was 1-1, and the mood shifted instantly. Stellies smelled blood.
A Goalkeeper’s Fumble, A Maroon Miracle
And then came the moment Orbit College fans will want to erase from memory. In the dying seconds, Moerane misjudged Turan Manafov’s corner, fumbling the ball right into the path of Athenkosi Mcaba.
Mcaba didn’t hesitate. He pounced, smashed home, and sent the Stellies bench into complete delirium. From a man down to a full three points in a span of minutes. Pure PSL chaos, the kind fans live for.
What This Means For Both Sides
For Stellenbosch, the victory reinforces their growing reputation as a side that never switches off. Their late-game fightbacks are starting to feel like a trademark.
Orbit, on the other hand, will feel they let this one slip. Back-to-back defeats, both featuring defensive lapses, will do little to ease pressure on their dugout.
But if the Premiership has taught us anything, it’s that storylines turn quickly. And for both teams, this one will sting and inspire in equal measure.
Source: Soccer Laduma
Image Source: Stellenboch FC on X
Read more: Chiefs, Stellies target big CAF statement on soccer mag
