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Stellies eye league and cup double over Gallants

football01 November 2024 13:55| © Backpage TXT
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After claiming a 1-0 win against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Thursday evening, Stellenbosch will hope to get another one over the Bloemfontein-based outfit when they do battle in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Gallants, who previously plied their trade out of the Limpopo province, advanced to the last eight of the Carling Knockout Cup after a 3-2 win against Polokwane City  at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on19 September.

Stellies, on the other hand, recorded a 2-1 victory over AmaZulu in the Last 16 phase of the competition, as Andre De Jong’s 97th-minute winner decided matters at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on 18th September.

The two sides last met in the Betway Premiership earlier this week where a 76th-minute Thabo Moloisane header saw Stellenbosch bag maximum points at the Cape Town Stadium.

WHAT WAS SAID

Reflecting on the upcoming Cup tie, Gallant’s assistant coach Duncan Lechesa believes that his side will have to be brave in facing Stellenbosch yet again this weekend.

“But going back home, I think we need to throw everything at them. So we're going to change little bit now to give to go and throw everything at them,” Lechesa said.

“Obviously they've seen that a win is doable. The only thing is, we need to convert whatever chances we get and try to be strong.”

Speaking on his side’s recent win over Gallants, Stellies coach Steve Barker revealed that Gallants are a hard team to overcome and that they fought for the result in Cape Town.

“Credit to them though, they came here and fought hard to at least get a point,” Barker expressed.

We held out but it was just really hard fought. When you fight hard like this in games like these, sometimes they are more rewarding.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Marumo Gallants: Marvin Sikhosana – Despite the defeat to Stellenbosch last time out, Sikhosana and his backline proved to be a tough nut to crack for the Stellies attack force throughout the 90 minutes.

The 29-year-old will once again be tasked to marshal his troops this weekend, this time however with more intel on their opponents.

Stellenbosch FC: Ashley Cupido – Yet to fully kick on with the Cape Winelands outfit, the fixture against Gallants comes as an exciting prospect for the ex-Cape Town Spurs striker.

Known for his pace and power, Cupido’s direct attacking qualities could trouble the Gallants backline on Sunday, especially during transitional moments.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first cup meeting between Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch FC.

LAST FOUR LEAGUE RESULTS

2021/22 Stellenbosch FC 1-0 Marumo Gallants

2022/22 Marumo Gallants 1-0 Stellenbosch FC

2022/23 Marumo Gallants 0-0 Stellenbosch FC

2022/23 Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Marumo Gallants 

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