Stellenbosch booked their place in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Betway Premiership rivals Polokwane City at the Danie Craven Stadium on Thursday night.
An own-goal from Bulelani Nikani gave Steve Barker's side an early lead and Devin Titus sealed the win eight minutes before halftime as Rise And Shine struggled to assert themselves on the game.
Stellies march into the quarter-finals of the #NedbankCup 🍇⏭️#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/3Ml6WbpqXi
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 13, 2025
Lesiba Nku was handed his first start for Stellenbosch after making two substitute appearances in the Betway Premiership following his permanent move from Mamelodi Sundowns during the January transfer window.
The hosts took just 13 minutes to get on the scoresheet, although it came in the form of an own-goal after Nikani inadvertently put the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Titus nearly doubled their advantage on 32 minutes, but Manuel Sapunga pulled off a sharp save to deny him from close range.
The second goal Stellies were threatening wasn't long in coming though, as the winger found the back of the net five minutes later, with Khomotjo Lekoloane providing the assist.
The Cape Winelands outfit went into the break with a comfortable and deserved lead and the offside flag cut short their celebrations on 66 minutes after Fawaaz Basadien slotted past Sapunga.
There would be no fightback from Rise And Shine as they bowed out of the cup competition at the second hurdle for the second year running, while the Maroons marched on to the quarterfinals a third time in a row.
Stellenbosch (2) 2 (Nikani 12' OG, Titus 37')
Polokwane City (0) 0
STELLENBOSCH: S. Stephens, I. Toure, T. Moloisane, F. Basadien, I. Jabaar (L. Phili 87'), K. Godswill, G. Palace, A. de Jong (A. Cupido 78'), L. Nku (C. Butsaka 67'), K. Lekoloane (S. Barns 67'), D. Titus (T. Khiba 78').
POLOKWANE CITY: M. Sapunga, S. Makhubela, B. Nikani, L. Nkaki, A. Gwangqa, N. Maphangule (M. Batlhabane 80'), M. Kambala, M. Ramabu (S. Nana 70'), T. Letshedi (P. Marema 57'), O. Appollis, R. Daniels (S. Tshabalala 70').