In-form Stellies eye top-four spot with Polokwane win

Stellenbosch FC will be targeting the Betway Premiership top-four spot with a win over Polokwane City when the two teams meet at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Stellies are enjoying a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions, having secured a 2-1 victory over Magesi FC in a league game on Tuesday and they have won three of their last four matches.

Stellenbosch are placed fifth in the Betway Premiership standings - a win against Polokwane would see the Winelands side climb to the fourth spot due to their superior goal-difference over the Limpopo side.

Meanwhile, Polokwane extended their winless run to five matches across all competitions when they drew 0-0 with Marumo Gallants in a league game last weekend, as they snapped a three-match losing run.

Rise and Shine are placed fourth in the Betway Premiership standings - a point behind third-placed Sekhukhune United - and a win over Stellenbosch would elevate Polokwane into the top three.

TEAM NEWS

Both teams have no suspension concerns coming into this match, but Stellenbosch are expected to be without the injured duo of Athenkosi Mcaba and Bradley Mojela.

Polokwane City, on the other hand, look set to be without Bafana Bafana capped Thabang Matuludi, as the highly-rated right-back is nursing a long-term injury.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker

“Ja, also nice for Ashley (Cupido) to get on the score sheet again. I thought he had the two, but it seems like one was an own goal, but still, his presence forced the error. Nice for him to be getting on the score sheet, considering Bradley (Mojela)’s out for the season and Ashley, not easy in the beginning," Barker said.

“But he is a goal scorer, and it was just a matter of time and just continue, just believing and giving him the confidence. So hopefully with this sort of run that he’s having, if he can maintain that for us till the end of the season, it would be really good.”

Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe

“We will keep on working hard in the training field to improve our goalscoring chances. I think everyone has prepared well for the second round, we always know that the second round of the league is a difficult one," Mohafe said.

"So, everyone wants to win, some want to maintain their possession, others want to move away from relegation and others are fighting for the top eight. “Is just how you maintain your team, with us these three matches the results were not on our side. I can say the second round is tough.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ashley Cupido, Stellenbosch: The 23-year-old striker has netted three goals in his last three matches and he will be confident of continuing his impressive form when he faces Rise, and Shine' shaky defence.

Oswin Appollis, Polokwane City: The 23-year-old winger produced a Man of the Match performance during Rise and Shine's match against Marumo Gallants, and he will be keen to impress once again.