Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker is targeting another deep run in the Nedbank Cup as he prepares for the visit of Polokwane City to the Danie Craven Stadium in the round of 16 on Thursday, February 13.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM:
The Maroons reached the semifinals of the cup competition in each of the last two seasons and Barker is keen to take the next step as it provides his team with another avenue into the Caf Confederation Cup.
Stellies currently sit ninth in the Betway Premiership, nine points adrift of the top three, although they do have three games in hand on most of the clubs above them in the standings.
Barker's side came from behind to beat second-tier Kruger United 2-1 in the round of 32, but they've stumbled in the league since then.
The Cape Winelands outfit played out to a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United on February 1 before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs six days later.
Rise and Shine bowed out at the same stage in the Ke Yona Ya Rona last term and they fell at the first hurdle in 2022-23, on both occasions to top-flight opposition.
Phuti Mohafe's side edged the Bees 1-0 in the previous round as part of a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions which ended with a 2-0 loss to Richards Bay in the league on February 8.
As such, Polokwane failed to capitalise on Orlando Pirates' 4-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns as they remain four points behind the Buccaneers in third position.
WHAT WAS SAID:
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker:
"It's five games to get to the final. And again, the Nedbank Cup also offers the opportunity to play in Africa.
"We are desperate to reach another quarterfinal, with the draw on the 20th for the Confed Cup. Once we've tasted it and come so close, I think we've learned and found consistency in cup competitions. But also understanding that it doesn't just happen."
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Stellenbosch - Chumani Butsaka is enjoying a promising debut season at the Danie Craven Stadium, featuring 14 times in the league for the Maroons since making the switch from Cape Town Spurs in September 2004. The 23-year-old midfielder opened his account in the 5-0 drubbing of AmaZulu on January 23 and got his name on the scoresheet once more in his next game against Babina Noko.
Polokwane City - Oswin Appollis has the ability to change a game in an instant, although he had an off day against the Natal Rich Boyz and was substituted on 75 minutes after failing to make an impact. Surprisingly, the 23-year-old winger has yet to register an assist in the league this term, but he's found the back of the net on two occasions and will pose the biggest threat to Stellenbosch.
HEAD TO HEAD: (Last five meetings)
Matches - 5
Stellenbosch wins - 3
Polokwane wins - 1
Draws - 1