Stellenbosch FC will go head to head with Sekhukhune United in Sunday's Nedbank Cup semifinal clash at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.
FORM >
Stellies drew 0-0 with SuperSport United in Tuesday's DStv Premiership encounter as they extended their unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions.
The Western Cape side eliminated reigning Nedbank Cup champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the previous round and they are now keen to progress to the final for the first time in the club's history.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune are coming into this match winless in their last two matches having drawn 1-1 with TS Galaxy in Wednesday's DStv Premiership clash.
Babina Noko reached this stage of the Nedbank Cup after defeating 2020-21 runners-up Chippa United in the quarterfinals and they are also hoping to advance to the final for the first time.
TEAM NEWS
Stellenbosch are set to welcome back their star striker Iqraam Rayners after the player missed the game against SuperSport due to an agreement between the two clubs.
It is unclear whether Linda Mntambo will be available for selection with the Sekhukhune captain having missed games due to an injury. Stellies and Babina Noko have no suspension concerns.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker
"It’s nice to have a home draw, especially with the way our home fans have been showing up recently," Barker said.
"There’s a lot of physicality and experience in the midfield as well as defence.
"They are a very capable team and we have to be at our best to beat them and make sure that we get to the final."
Sekhukhune United head coach Brandon Truter
“That is the edge we have at the moment, in terms of the most experience that have been here [semifinals] and have done it before at this level,” Truter said.
“That kind of experience is absolutely invaluable for us going up against a Stellies side that has youngsters who will be experiencing this for the first time.
“Having players like [Daniel] Cardoso, [Sibusiso] Vilakazi – guys who have been there, won and played at the highest level with big clubs, will be able to manage the occasion a bit better.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stellenbosch FC:
Junior Mendieta: The Argentine playmaker has been one of the best attacking midfielders in the country this season having provided nine assists and scored nine goals across all competitions. Mendieta's creativity could be key to Stellies' win over Babina Noko.
Iqraam Rayners: The in-form marksman has impressively scored twice in each of his last three matches in this season's Nedbank Cup to take his tally to six goals in the competition and he will be confident of continuing his scoring form when he faces Sekhukhune.
Sekhukhune United:
Chibuike Ohizu: The Nigerian forward has been playing some of his best football under Truter having netted seven goals across all competitions including one against Stellenbosch and he is likely to be the player to inspire Babina Noko to a win.
Victor Letsoalo: The hard-working forward has formed a deadly partnership with Ohizu with Letsoalo having been directly involved in eight goals this season (three assists and five goals). Letsoalo will pose a threat to Stellies with his sharp movement and link-up play.
Head-to-Head (since 2021/22)
PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS
N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United
CUP RECORD
N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United
ALL LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2021/22 Sekhukhune 1-1 Stellenbosch Ohizu; Mendieta
2021/22 Stellenbosch 1-1 Sekhukhune Ortiz; Shonga
2022/23 Sekhukhune 1-1 Stellenbosch Mabasa; Mngomezulu
2022/23 Stellenbosch 0-1 Sekhukhune Ohizu
OVERALL RECORD (all competitions) Total
P W D L GF GA
Stellenbosch 4 0 3 1 3 4
Sekhukhune 4 1 3 0 4 3