Stellenbosch FC are gearing up for a crucial Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone Stadium this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm CAT, and all eyes will be on whether Stellies can pull off an upset against the reigning champions.
Stellenbosch are coming off a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants, a result that lifted them out of the relegation zone and into 11th place. Coach Steve Barker will be hoping his team can carry that momentum into this weekend’s encounter. They also secured their place in the MTN8 final for the second year running, a testament to their growing strength.
Mamelodi Sundowns, despite an uncharacteristic start to the season, remain undefeated in the league. Their recent goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium showed a rare vulnerability, but they still sit comfortably in third place. However, their MTN8 journey ended prematurely after a penalty shootout loss to Orlando Pirates.
The Brazilians may be without key defender Grant Kekana, who is still recovering from an injury. His absence could provide Stellenbosch with a slight advantage in attack.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker acknowledges the challenge ahead. "It was an important win for us [against Marumo Gallants], we needed to win tonight and credit must go to the players for just showing the commitment that they always show," he said, hinting at the effort required to compete with a team like Sundowns.
Key Match-Ups to Watch
- Stellenbosch's Attack vs. Sundowns' Defence: Can Stellies find a way through the Sundowns' backline, even without Kekana?
- Sundowns' Midfield Dominance vs. Stellenbosch's Resilience: Will Sundowns control the midfield, or can Stellenbosch disrupt their flow?
Prediction
While Stellenbosch are playing with confidence, Mamelodi Sundowns' quality and experience make them the favourites. A draw is possible, but Sundowns are likely to edge this one.