In-form Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley du Preez says he expects Orlando Pirates to “come out strongly” when the two sides clash at Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Along with league leaders Sundowns, Stellies are yet to taste defeat this season and boast a record of five wins and six draws, a run that has propelled them up to second place in the Premiership standings.
However, they can expect a stern test of their top-three credentials as the Buccaneers will undoubtedly be eager to return to the winning trail after a defeat to Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and a goalless draw with Golden Arrows.
“I think they will come out strongly to win the game but for us as a team, our hunger needs to be more than [theirs] coming to the game,” said Du Preez, as quoted by Sowetan LIVE.
“I will be happier if we get three points against Pirates.
“Our target is to get to 30 points as soon as possible and after that, we will reassess.”
While Stellenbosch’s impressive start to the 2021-22 campaign was not predicted by fans and pundits, Du Preez insists the team’s success is no surprise.
He explained: “I think last season was a huge learning process for us as a team.
“With the unbeaten run, we are doing a lot of things right where we are conceding fewer goals and scoring more.
“It was a process where we learned and this season we are well balanced in attack as a team. But we’re not surprised, we are just glad that the team is working hard for matches.
“We are more positive. Our hard work, resilience and team spirit, and the will to win is working for us as a team. We were lacking on these things last season.”