Stellies out to spoil CT City's party

Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City will battle for the iKapa Derby bragging rights in Friday's DStv Premiership match at the Danie Craven Stadium.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Stellies stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches across all competitions when they claimed a 3-0 win over Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout last weekend, and it was also their third win in a row.

Stellenbosch are placed fourth on the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind third-placed SuperSport United and a victory over City would see Stellies climb up to the third spot.

Meanwhile, City are enjoying a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions, and they have won a club record six successive league matches including a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in their last game on November 26.

The Citizens are placed second-placed on the DStv Premiership standings - two points above third-placed SuperSport and five behind log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns as the race for the league title continues.

TEAM NEWS

Both teams have suspension concerns coming into this eagerly anticipated iKapa Derby encounter.

Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens and City attacker Jaedin Rhodes are both suspended.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker

"We’re looking forward to it. We’re also looking forward to being back at our home ground. We haven’t played here at the Danie Craven Stadium for a while so that is also something to look forward to," Barker said.

"Bragging rights are important and factors a lot into it. We recently played Cape Town Spurs and we were fortunately able to win that one, and now our aim is [to do the same against] Cape Town City.

"Derbies bring that little bit of an edge and there will be a big crowd out for both clubs, but we want to give our supporters that joy and happiness and the bragging rights that they deserve.”

Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler

“Our record against them is not that brilliant in the last couple of seasons, and we are looking to change that. We are coming off the back of good wins and good performances," Tinkler said.

"But their tails are up, they are into the Carling final. So it should be an interesting game for the fans, hopefully they will come in their numbers, and hopefully we can put in a good performance.

“It is never an easy game (against Stellenbosch) but we go in with confidence and a belief that we can turn them over.”

Stellenbosch FC: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Antonio van Wyk: The dreadlocked attacker is in good form at the moment having grabbed an assist against Cape Town Spurs before scoring against Richards Bay. Van Wyk will be keen to continue his good form in the iKapa Derby.

Anicet Alain Oura: The Ivorian winger has become a threat in the final third having found the back of the net against AmaZulu and Richards Bay. Oura will be confident of finding the back of the net when he faces City's stubborn defence.

Cape Town City: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keanu Cupido: The 25-year-old defender is enjoying one of his better seasons having become influential when pushing forward which has resulted in two assists thus far. Cupido could create problems for the Stellies' defence.

Khanyisa Mayo: The in-form attacker has scored three times in his last four matches for City which sees him at the top of the DStv Premiership scoring charts with seven goals and he will be hoping to add to his tally in the iKapa Derby.

Head-to-Head

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2019/20 CT City 1-0 Stellenbosch David

2019/20 Stellenbosch 1-0 CT City Skelem

2020/21 Stellenbosch 1-2 CT City Sinkala; Nodada, Martin

2020/21 CT City 1-2 Stellenbosch Ngoma; De Goede, Du Preez

2021/22 CT City 0-3 Stellenbosch Robertson, Moseamedi 2

2021/22 Stellenbosch 1-0 CT City Scott

2022/23 CT City 1-1 Stellenbosch Gonzalez; Mendieta

2022/23 Stellenbosch 3-2 CT City Titus 2, Mngomezulu; Gordinho, Gonzalez

LEAGUE RECORD (since 2019/20)