For the moment, that gap is two points, but Sundowns play later on Sunday at home to Polokwane City and could extend that by another three points, albeit having then played a game more.
What is clear is that Pirates cannot afford any slip-ups, and in recent times Stellenbosch have been one of the hardest away days.
Stellies’ home record
Stellenbosch have not lost a league game at home in 2026, with three wins and two draws. The last team to beat them on their own patch was Polokwane City on December 3.
Coach Gavin Hunt has made them resilient and tough to beat after some early problems at home this season.
They have played 13 games in all, winning five to go with three draws and five defeats. They have scored 14 goals and conceded 15, but it is their recent record that is the best indicator.
Not a happy hunting ground
Pirates have visited Stellenbosch on seven previous occasions, with the teams claiming two wins each to go with three draws.
Their last visit in March 2025 ended in a 0-0 draw, while their last league victory at Stellies was all the way back in November 2021, almost five years ago.
It has been a challenging away day for the club, but they have also at times found Stellenbosch a handful at home.
The clubs have met on 18 previous occasions in all competitions, with Pirates leading the head-to-head 8-5, with five draws.
Excellent away
Pirates have only lost once on the road in the league this season, which was in their very first away game when they let a lead slip to lose 2-1 at Marumo Gallants.
They have won eight and drawn three of their other 11 away games, scoring 26 goals and conceding only seven.
Their points-per-game average of 2.25 on the road is the best in the Betway Premiership and, to put their scoring exploits into context, the next best team on the road is Lamontville Golden Arrows with 16 goals, 10 fewer than Pirates, who have played a game less.
Pirates have kept seven clean sheets in 12 away games this season.