Stellenbosch hoping to capitalise on Galaxy's misfortunes

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker will be looking to add to TS Galaxy's woes when the two teams meet at Athlone Stadium on Wednesday, November 6.

Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM:

The Rockets have been the victims of poor scheduling which has seen them play four of their opening five Betway Premiership matches away from home and seven from eight in all competitions.

Sead Ramovic's side have understandably found results hard to come by as a result and a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Orlando Pirates on October 29 left them rooted to the foot of the table.

Galaxy only have one point to show for their efforts in 2024-25, a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Marumo Gallants on October 26 after suffering three successive defeats at the start of the campaign.

However, Ramovic is convinced that they can turn things around to finish in the top eight for a second consecutive season as they trail eighth-placed Kaizer Chiefs by just six points.

The Maroons have continued to build of their record-breaking efforts of 2023-24, reaching the MTN8 final and qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup group stages for the first time.

Barker's side put the disappointment of their 3-0 defeat to Golden Arrows in the opening round behind them after picking up 11 points from their next five games.

A 1-0 win over Gallants on October 31 extended their unbeaten run in the league to five matches and lifted Stellies up to fourth in the standings, two points outside the top three and seven adrift of the Buccaneers.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker

"It has been a good start to the season. I think if you take it overall, it was our 15th game. We've only lost two, one in the [MTN8] final, which was a bit unfortunate, and then the [Golden] Arrows game at home, where we actually played well.

"It's just about maintaining that sort of intensity and the way we like to play. You know, time will tell over the season gets longer and that.

"But for now, we're a young, exuberant team that wants to be successful and punching above our weight, and we continue to do that. So, credit to the players. A lot of the new players that have come in have settled in really well."

TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic

"I can promise to all our great supporters that came, also a big thank you, that we will collect the points and we will fight for the top eight spot.

"It looks bad, yes, it is, but we have to stay positive, why? Because we are training well, we are playing well and the results will come, absolutely no doubt about it.

"Again, yes, we are in a difficult situation because we have to play seven away games out of eight. I never see this in any other league, but okay we take it like this.

"We have now again three away games - crazy but we will collect the points, and we will hit back, no problem at all."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Stellenbosch - Sanele Barns has added another dimension to the Maroons' attack down the left flank and he's played every minute in five of his opening six league appearances since making the switch from Richards Bay in the off-season. The 27-year-old winger has contributed one goal and one assist thus far, and he proved a handful for Gallants in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals last weekend.

TS Galaxy - Dzenan Zajmovic has quickly settled into his new surroundings since joining the Rockets from Radnik in September, scoring on his first league start against Chippa United before bagging an extra-time winner against the Chilli Boys in the Carling Knockout round of 16. The Bosnian had another good game against Magesi in the quarterfinals, testing Elvis Chipezeze twice in the first half with shots from inside the box.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (Last Five Betway Premiership Meetings)

Matches - 5

Stellenbosch wins - 4

Galaxy wins - 0

Draws - 1