Rockets square off with Stellies in MTN8 quarters

South African club football will make a return this weekend in the form of the MTN8 quarterfinals, with Stellenbosch going up against TS Galaxy at the Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

Stellenbosch finished the DStv Premiership season in third place, with the same amount of points as Orlando Pirates. They lost their final match of the season against Richards Bay and made it to the Nedbank Cup semis, where they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Last season, the team also made it to the semifinals of the MTN8, but were knocked out by the Buccaneers.

As for TS Galaxy, the team finished sixth in the league which was their best ever record in the top-flight. The Rockets crashed out of the Nedbank Cup at the quarterfinal stages at the hands of Chippa United last season.

WHAT WAS SAID

TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic is aware that his team have a difficult task ahead and has given respect to their opponents before the clash.

“Stellenbosch are a very tough team with an amazing technical team, so that tells you that it will be a very tough match for us,” he said.

“This game will help us to see exactly where we are in terms of readiness going forward.”

Ramovic even went as far as saying that Stellies coach Steve Barker should have won the award for Coach of the Season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Deano Van Rooyen, Stellenbosch - The defender has been linked with a move away from Stellies, however his coach Steve Barker says that their team has enough pull to keep their star players. Van Rooyen is one to watch out for as he’s an asset for his team defensively.

Samir Nurkovic, TS Galaxy - The striker registered eight goals in the DStv Premiership last season and will be looking to continue his impressive goal scoring form over to the next campaign that’s coming up.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

(since 2020/21)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2022/23 Nedbank Cup, Last 16 Galaxy 3-6 Stellenbosch Medina (pen),

Phohlongo (pen), Sebelebele; Titus, Rayners 2 (1 pen), de Jong, Mendieta, Jabaar

2023/24 Carling Knockout Final Stellenbosch 1-1* Galaxy Toure; Mojela

*After extra time, Stellenbosch won 5-4 on penalties