Stellenbosch out to dent Sundowns' hopes

Stellenbosch FC will welcome Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership match at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

Stellies are desperate for a victory after succumbing to a 3-0 defeat to Maritzburg United away in their previous league match last month.

As a result, they are placed 11th on the league standings - four points above the relegation play-off spot and four points behind eighth-placed Highlands Park.

Steve Barker, the Stellenbosch coach, says it is important for his side to win their home games starting with their clash with Sundowns.

"We still have work to do. The next target is to get to 30 points as soon as possible. Once we get to 30, it is easier to get to 33," Barker said.

"We have seven games to do that. It was never a bad time to get a lesson. It is a wake-up call for us.

“They are key. Our season will depend on those teams coming to us in Cape Town. We’ve had a good run in Cape Town. We’ve beaten teams like Baroka and Polokwane City in Cape Town."

Meanwhile, Sundowns are wounded after being eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Egyptian giants Al Ahly over the weekend.

Masandawana, who have won their last three Absa Premiership games, are placed second on the league log - seven points behind the leaders, Kaizer Chiefs.

However, Sundowns have two games in hand and the defending champions will close the gap on Chiefs if they secure a win over Stellies.

Pitso Mosimane, the Sundowns coach, has revealed that Mauricio Affonso is nursing a long-term injury and he remains hopeful of defending the league title.

"Hopefully Mauricio will be back [next season] because he did his operation and will be back after three months. He will join us for pre-season," Mosimane said.

"Ten is a lot of games to play and a lot can happen. You can lose and somebody wins or you can win and somebody lose.

"It’s a long way to go but we have a challenge that everybody we are going to play from now we have to win."

Stellenbosch: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Asavela Mbekile: The midfielder has walked straight into the Stellies starting line-up after joining the club last January. Mbekile will be keen to impress against his former employers.

Iqraam Rayners: The marksman remains one of Stellies' key players having netted five goals in the Absa Premiership. Rayners has the ability to inspire Stellies to a win over Sundowns.

Mamelodi Sundowns: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hlompho Kekana: The Sundowns captain is brimming with confidence after signing a new deal with the club. Kekana will be looking to lead his troops to a win in Cape Town.

Sibusiso Vilakazi: The versatile forward has netted three goals in his last five competitive matches. Vilakazi will be hoping to continue his good form against Stellies.