Fired-up Stellenbosch out to end losing run against Chiefs

Stellenbosch FC will lock horns with Kaizer Chiefs in the final match of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership matchday one at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

Stellies began their season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over AmaZulu FC in extra-time in the MTN8 quarterfinal match on 3 August.

A Sanele Barns brace and 20-year-old Langelihli Phili's late goal earned the Western Cape side the win.

Stellenbosch are undefeated in their last three competitive matches, including last season's Betway Premiership matches, as they claimed a win against SuperSport United (now known as Siwelele FC) and a draw with Cape Town City.

Meanwhile, Chiefs were inactive competitively last weekend as the Soweto giants had failed to qualify for this season's MTN8 after finishing ninth in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership standings.

Amakhosi are currently on a three-match unbeaten run across all competitions, having drawn their last two league games in the previous season, which were against Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United after defeating Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.

Stellenbosch have lost each of their last three competitive matches against Chiefs, who completed a league double over Winelands-based outfit last term and also emerged victorious in their clash in the Nedbank Cup.

TEAM NEWS

Stellenbosch were boosted by the return of Lehlohonolo Mojela from a long-term injury against AmaZulu and coach Steve Barker's side have no suspension concerns coming into this encounter.

Kaizer Chiefs, on the other hand, are expected to be without Rushwin Dortley, who is still busy with his injury rehabilitation and Pule Mmodi is set to miss the game against Stellenbosch due to suspension.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker:

“It’s most certainly a nice start to the season to play a team of, you know, Kaizer Chiefs following, and they’re sort of the team that they are,” said Barker.

“I think, you know, the stadium will be packed and, you know, the players deserve to be playing in front of packed stadiums. They work hard the whole pre-season. I am excited for the challenge that awaits us.”

Don't miss out ➡️ https://t.co/BIcGguNA2V #HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/8CTFbzfZTS
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) August 8, 2025

Kaizer Chiefs forward Ashley Du Preez:

“For me personally, I couldn’t wait for the league to start, everyone to start on a clean pitch and write history. But for us as a club, I think we can start competing for the league with the first game," said Du Preez.

“The first game is a tough one. We’re playing Stellenbosch, and I think we can compete for everything this year, including the league and cup games. We just have to, from day one, be 100 per cent sure that we can compete and win the league.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sanele Barns, Stellenbosch FC: The pacey attacker will be brimming with confidence after producing a Man of the Match performance against AmaZulu and he could be the player to propel Stellies to a victory over Amakhosi.

Glody Lilepo, Kaizer Chiefs: The DR Congo international was Amakhosi's hero the last time they faced Stellies at Athlone Stadium and he will be looking to score another decisive goal in the Mother City.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2020/21 Stellenbosch 0-0 Chiefs

2020/21 Chiefs 2-2 Stellenbosch Casto, Nk. Ngcobo; Sinkala, Nange

2021/22 Chiefs 0-1 Stellenbosch Du Preez

2021/22 Stellenbosch 1-0 Chiefs Van Rooyen

2022/23 Stellenbosch 1-3 Chiefs Mgaga; Bimenyimana 3 (3 pens)

2022/23 Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch Du Preez, Dolly; Jabaar

2023/24 Stellenbosch 0-2 Chiefs Mmodi, Saile

2023/24 Chiefs 0-1 Stellenbosch Titus

2024/25 Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch Duba 2; Lekoloane