Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a brace of goals as Stellenbosch FC returned to winning form in the Betway Premiership with a 2-1 triumph over Chippa United at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Mabasa netted a first-half brace as Stellies extended their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches, but snapped a three-game drawing streak. The Cape Winelands team rose to eighth place on the log.
As for the Chilli Boys, this 10th league loss of the season extended their winless run to four matches and left them in 13th place – two positions and two points clear of the relegation playoff spot.
Game over! Stellenbosch FC breaks into the Betway Premiership Top 8 with a victory over the Chilli Boys! 🔥
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) March 21, 2026
FT 》@StellenboschFC 2️⃣ – 1️⃣ @ChippaUnitedFC
🎯 32', 35' Mabasa #HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/g6eGGGz5fw
Chippa created the first notable attacking threat, with Anasele Bonani getting free down the right of the penalty area in the ninth minute, but Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens came quickly off his line to smother the danger.
The hosts then began to find a lot of penetration down their right flank, with Langelihle Phili providing a low cross that Tshegofatso Mabasa struck wide of the near post in the 29th minute – a warning that the Chilli Boys did not take heed of.
Three minutes later Phili dribbled into the box and clipped a cross from the right to pick out Mabasa, who headed powerfully on goal – so much so that goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi got his hands on the effort, but the ball still looped up and found the back of the net for 1-0.
On 35 minutes it was 2-0 to Stellies, with Mabasa scoring with an even better-placed header into the bottom corner – giving Msibi no chance. The cross again came from the right flank, this time from defender Godswill Enyinnaya.
Chippa found themselves two goals down at the break and responded with a triple change at the start of the second half, as Azola Matrose, Justice Figuareido and Thamsanqa Magwaza were introduced off the bench.
However, the next clear chance went the way of the hosts just after the hour mark and it was Mabasa who had the chance to complete a hat-trick, but he blazed a left-footed shot high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Midway through the second half Stellenbosch had another opportunity to increase their lead, with Devin Titus crossing from the left to pick out Mosa Lebusa, but the veteran’s header flashed just wide.
Sinoxolo Kwayiba pulled a goal back for Chippa with just under 10 minutes of regulation time remaining, coolly scoring from a penalty (which was awarded for a soft hand ball). That set up a tense finale – including a late red card for substitute Wonderboy Makhubu – but Stellenbosch were able to hold out and secure victory.
The teams will be back in Betway Premiership action on Tuesday, 7 April, with Chippa at home to Siwelele FC and Stellenbosch away to Richards Bay.
Stellenbosch FC (2) 2 (Mabasa 32’ 35’)
Chippa United (0) 1 (Kwayiba 81’ pen)
Stellenbosch: Stephens, Godswill, Lebusa, Ndah (Makhubu 84’), Tiwani, Moloisane, Butsaka (Jooste 82’), Palace, Phili (Mokobodi 82’), Titus (Mdaka 90+1’), Mabasa (Cupido 82’)
Chippa: Msiba, Madingwane, Majadibodu, Mobara, Modise, Konqobe (Mfecane 70’), Mosele, Seabi (Matrose 46’), Bonani (Figuareido 46’), Ntsundwana (Magwaza 46’), Kwayiba