Stellenbosch FC have leapt over Kaizer Chiefs, TS Galaxy and AmaZulu to claim fifth spot on the Betway Premiership log after defeating Magesi FC 2-1 at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Tuesday night.
The result is only the third home win for Stellies in the Betway Premiership this season.
They will look to build on their performance as head coach Steve Barker is eyeing a top three finish in the league.
Three points in the bag 💪
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) February 25, 2025
Stellenbosch FC 2️⃣–1️⃣ Magesi FC pic.twitter.com/bzkg7zH17G
Losing on the road, Magesi have failed to escape the relegation zone and sit two points behind Marumo Gallants, who have a game in hand.
It was the home side who threatened first, as Thato Khiba’s long- range strike was punched aside by Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and Fawaaz Basadien’s follow up failed to penetrate the wall of defenders.
The Maroons opened the scoring soon after, as Basadien’s cross bounced perfectly into the path of Angelo Cupido, whose touch found the boot of Magesi defender Mzwandile Buthelezi, who knocked the ball into his own net in the 21st minute.
Dikwena tša Meets drew level five minutes later, as Buthelezi used his head to flick the ball on to Given Mashikinya, who poked the ball through Sage Stephens’s legs to grab his first goal since joining Magesi in January.
Stellies pulled ahead again in the 37th minute as Cupido showed his pace to beat Buthelezi to Langelihle Phili’s long ball, chipping it calmly over the rushing Chipezeze.
The second half was slow going, as the wind picked up in the already windy Danie Craven Stadium.
Lesiba Nku had two chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half, the best of which saw him scuff his shot after Devin Titus unselfishly set him up in the 57th minute.
Mgesi threatened to draw level late in the game as Thabang Sibanyoni’s header was tipped over the bar by Stephens in the 85th minute.
Dikwena tša Meetse's late efforts proved a little too late and Stellies walked away with bragging rights in the first top-flight clash between the two sides.
Stellies will hope for Andre de Jong’s return from injury as they have a quick turnaround, facing Polokwane City at home on Friday.
Magesi are next in action on Saturday where they will be up against Gavin Hunt and SuperSport United.
Stellenbosch 2 (Buthelezi OG 21’, Cupido 37’)
Magesi 1 (Mashikinya 26’)
Stellenbosch FC: S. Stephens, S. Barns (G Palace 78’), T. Moloisane, I. Toure, F. Basadien, T. Khiba (I Jabaar 78’), S. Nduli, L. Nku (C. Butsaka 70’), D. Titus, A. Cupido (K Lekoloane 90’), L. Phili (E. Godswill 69’)
Magesi FC: E. Chipezeze, D. Abrahams, T. Makgoga, M. Buthelezi, J. Mokone, S. Darpoh, D, Mekoa (C Ashby 70’), M. Vandala (R Manzini 80’), L. Mtshali, G. Mashikinya (T Kakora 70’)., T. Sibanyoni.