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Stellies look to bounce back in Chippa battle

football22 October 2024 12:35| © Backpage TXT
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Steve Barker © Gallo Images

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker believes in his team’s ability to bounce back, and will be hoping for the same energy as they prepare to go up against Chippa United in the Betway Premiership at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off is at 19:30 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Stellenbosch fell short in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, but have shown resilience by beating AmaZulu to advance to the quarterfinals of the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup.

Their league form however, has been tricky with the side currently eighth in the Betway Premiership, having only won one game against local rivals Cape Town City 3-0 back in September.

They faced a shock 2-0 defeat to Golden Arrows in their opener and their most recent league game saw them draw 1-1 with Polokwane City.

Their opponents in this next clash, Chippa United are fourth on the log and are unbeaten in their last three league games. The Chilli Boys lost their first match of the league to Orlando Pirates, but have seemingly gotten back on track.

 

 

The Eastern Cape outfit is two points adrift from league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and the Buccaneers as it stands.

WHAT WAS SAID

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has praised the resilience of his squad and how they’ve managed to bounce back after losing out on the MTN8 title.

“It is something that [hurts] but there are two reactions you can have; you can either decide to be bitter or you can decide to be better,” Barker said ahead of the Chippa encounter.

“There’s only one letter difference and we’ve decided to be better and move on. You can’t change what happened, it’s history and it has passed, so the next important thing is the following match.”

“When you have to endure difficult times, it grows you as a team and gives you unity, endurance, and grit which I believe we are showing. We are showing that we have the resilience to get over disappointments and look forward,” he added.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Andile Jali, Chippa United - The 34-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a decorated career and now as the time nears to hang up his boots, he will be hoping to make a comeback and get back to business should he be fit from a hamstring injury he suffered from a few weeks ago.

Andre de Jong, Stellenbosch - Hailed as an “underrated” player by his coach Steve Barker, the forward will be hoping to add to his goal tally in the Betway Premiership, having scored three goals and providing the same number of assists across all competitions so far this season.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST FIVE LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 Chippa 1-0 Stellenbosch Seabi

2022/23 Stellenbosch 1-1 Chippa Mendieta (pen); Matrose

2022/23 Chippa 1-2 Stellenbosch Mathiane; Titus, Rayners

2023/24 Chippa 0-0 Stellenbosch

2023/24 Stellenbosch 1-1 Chippa Van Wyk; Martin

 

 

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