Stellenbosch FC will host Chippa United at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday evening, as the two sides restart their DStv Premiership campaign.
Kick-off is at 5:30pm (SA, GMT+2).
The Western Cape outfit are currently in 10th place on the log, amassing just 14 points in 13 games so far this season.
Stellenbosch are winless in their last four league matches and recorded a 1-0 away loss against AmaZulu at the King Zwelithini Stadium in their most recent outing.
As the home side, Stellies won just two games on their own patch in the 2022/23 campaign, with three losses and one draw highlighting their inconsistencies at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Stellies mentor Steve Barker mentioned that he is excited at the league’s restart and that his side have been preparing well during the Fifa break.
“I think it has been long, obviously a nice World Cup in between, it was nice to watch some great football but we’re excited about the resumption of the league," said Barker.
“We’ve had really good preparation in the last two months, we had two good training blocks and a good mental break, some good preparation technically and tactically.
“So I’m super excited for the resumption of the league, looking forward to it, not only to tomorrow’s match but the upcoming fixtures."
Final preparations before we’re back in action at the DC tomorrow ??
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) December 29, 2022
See you there, #stelliesfamily! ??#StellenboschFC #ProudlyStellenbosch?? #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/0qB1n9Jnku
As for Chippa United, the Eastern Cape side head into the tie on the back of a thrilling 3-3 draw against Richards Bay FC, as the two sides locked horns on 30 October.
The Chilli Boys' form card looks better than their opponents as they recorded three wins, one draw and a single loss in their last five DStv Premiership outings.
Also, Chippa United claimed a 1-0 victory the last time the two clubs took to the pitch, with Sammi Seabi’s strike in the 74th minute being the difference in the tie.
In speaking about his progression as the Chippa United head coach, Morgan Mammila mentioned that he is at the crawling stage of his coaching career.
“I'm crawling, but I’m crawling fast, I am a student of this game,” Mammila noted.
“Doctor Khumalo prepared me for coaching. When he came to Baroka as a technical director, I asked him to help coach Kgoloko Thobejane and take over the training sessions, while Kgoloko worked on tactics.”
?????NEXT MATCH
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) December 28, 2022
??? Stellenbosch Football Club
??| #DSTVPREMIERSHIP
??| Danie Craven Stadium.
??| 30 December, 2022.
?| 17H30
??| Supersport
#PrideOfEasternCape #AyeyeChilliBoysAyeye?????? pic.twitter.com/jFJbCa3ohj
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stellenbosch FC
Junior Mendieta: The Argentine has been one of Stellenbosch FC’s best players this season and was often the difference for his team throughout the season. Able to play on the flanks, as well as through the midfield lines, Mendieta’s vision will be key in breaking down the Chippa defence.
Sinethemba Mngomezulu: Along with Mendieta, Mngomezulu are the team’s joint top scorers this season (3). The midfielder will provide energy and zip in the middle of the park, while his advancing runs could pose numerous questions to the Chilli Boys backline.
Chippa United
Etiosa Ighodaro: As a powerful forward, Ighodaro has been one of Chippa’s best attacking outlets this season and is currently in the running for the league’s top scorer award (4). Ighodaro’s physical presence creates problems in the final third, while he continues to sniff out danger areas in the penalty box.
Ronaldo Maarman: Much like that of Ighodaro, Maarman has been a star turner for Chippa United this season. The fleet footed attacker scored three goals this season, one less than Ighodaro who leads the goalscoring chart for the club.