Red-hot Stellies out to end Downs' treble quest

Stellenbosch FC will be determined to end Mamelodi Sundowns' treble dream when they meet in Sunday's Nedbank Cup semifinal match at the Danie Craven Stadium.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Stellies stretched their remarkable unbeaten run to 25 matches across all competitions when they thrashed a struggling Golden Arrows side 3-0 at home in a DStv Premiership match on 1 May. The last team to beat Stellenbosch in a competitive match was Sundowns who emerged as 3-1 winners in a league clash in September 2023.

The Western Cape side are hoping to reach the final of the South African FA Cup for the first time in the club's history and also keep their dream of winning a cup double alive, having clinched this season's Carling Knockout.

Meanwhile, Sundowns are undefeated in their last two matches having thumped Kaizer Chiefs 5-1 away on 2 May which saw the Tshwane giants clinch a seventh successive DStv Premiership title.

Masandawana are looking to reach the final of the Nedbank Cup for the first time since 2022 and the six-time winners are on a mission to complete a treble, having already won the league championship and African Football League. Sundowns are undefeated in domestic competitions in regulation time this season.

TEAM NEWS

Both Stellenbosch and Sundowns have no suspension concerns coming into this encounter, but Masandawana have a long injury list.

Rushine De Reuck, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Teboho Mokoena, Siyanda Nyanga, Thapelo Maseko and Bongani Zungu are the Sundowns players who are currently nursing injuries.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker:

“First of all, we’re delighted that we got the home draw and that we will be hosting Sundowns at the Danie Craven Stadium,” Barker said.

“It will be massive to play the match in Stellenbosch. It’s a big game to look forward to for the fans and hopefully we can fill the ground. It would be great to get our supporters out in numbers and have them behind the team.

“We’ll need to play really well to overcome a team like Sundowns but we’ll also need the support of the 12th man behind us.”

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena:

"We have a clear understanding of what we need to do [against Stellenbosch], even though the picture and the information will get clear and more detailed tomorrow," Mokwena said.

"The work has started. We know they [Stellenbosch] are a very good side. They are in very good form, they are extremely consistent. Because of the run they are in [at the moment], they play with a sense of invincibility which is very important when it comes to games like these.

"We have to be ready for what will be a difficult game at this crucial stage of the season."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Iqraam Rayners, Stellenbosch FC: Boasting six goals in his last two matches, the Bafana Bafana forward will be brimming with confidence and he will carry Stellies' hopes of defeating the local champions.

Tashreeq Matthews, Mamelodi Sundowns: The Cape Town-born attacker grabbed a brace in the win over Chiefs and he was named Man of the Match. Matthews will be eager to propel Masandawana to another victory.

Head-to-Head (since 2019/20)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2020/21 Nedbank Cup, L32 Sundowns 3-2* Stellenbosch Shalulile 2, Sirino; Du Preez, Nange

2022/23 Nedbank Cup, QF Stellenbosch 2-1 Sundowns Rayners 2; Langeveldt (og)

*After extra time

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Stellenbosch 2 1 0 1 4 4

Sundowns 2 1 0 1 4 4

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2019/20 Sundowns 3-1 Stellenbosch Zwane (pen), Mkhulise, Makgalwa; Moon

2019/20 Stellenbosch 0-1 Sundowns Zwane

2020/21 Sundowns 3-0 Stellenbosch Shalulile, Erasmus, Zwane

2020/21 Stellenbosch 1-2 Sundowns Dimgba; Sirino, Shalulile

2021/22 Stellenbosch 1-1 Sundowns Mendieta (pen); Lakay

2021/22 Sundowns 0-3 Stellenbosch Du Preez 2, Adams

2022/23 Sundowns 3-0 Stellenbosch Maema, Shalulile, Allende

2022/23 Stellenbosch 1-1 Sundowns Rayners (pen); Mailula

2023/24 Sundowns 3-1 Stellenbosch Kekana, Modiba, Mabena; Titus

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

P W D L GF GA

Stellenbosch 11 2 2 7 12 21

Sundowns 11 7 2 2 21 12