Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker insists there is still plenty to play for as they prepare to welcome top-two rivals Sekhukhune United to the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.
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Kick-off is at 8pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
The Maroons went four points clear of the chasing pack in second place after beating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday, courtesy of Devin Titus's 45th-minute goal.
It was their first win against the Glamour Boys in two years and extended Stellies' unbeaten run in the league to 13 matches as they continued to push for CAF Champions League football.
Barker's side have yet to get the better of Babina Noko in four top-flight meetings, drawing three times and losing once, and this will be the first of two encounters between them in the space of 11 days.
Sekhukhune have impressed under Lehlohonolo Seema, who has lost just one of his opening nine games at the helm since replacing Brandon Truter on 20 November.
The Kempton Park outfit saw a five-match winning streak come to an end with a 2-2 draw against Cape Town City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.
However, they remain unbeaten in their last seven outings and are still ahead of Orlando Pirates (4th) and SuperSport United (5th) on goal difference in third spot, with all three clubs tied on 34 points.
Tickets are on sale for this weekend's clash 👊
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 4, 2024
🆚 Sekhukhune United
🏆 DStv Premiership
🗓 Saturday, 6 April 2024
🏟 Danie Craven Stadium
🕔 17:00
🎟️ R50.00
🛒 Pick n Pay & Webtickets
Secure your spot in the stands here ↓
WHAT WAS SAID
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker:
"I can't speak highly enough of this group of players. It's now 19 games unbeaten, of which 15 are wins, and you can see out there that the players are getting what they deserve for the effort they're putting in.
"It is a massive result for us to get (against Kaizer Chiefs), and to solidify our position in second with nine games remaining.
"There's still a lot of football to be played, and 27 points to play for. But if you had asked me at the beginning of the season if we would be in the position we are in, I probably wouldn't have believed you.
"It's a bit surreal for me sometimes, the run we are on. But it's important to maintain concentration, focus, and get back up for another big game against Sekhukhune United on Saturday."
Sekhukhune United head coach Lehlohonolo Seema:
"We are happy, but I don't want to single out anyone because I think today everybody battled and we were just unlucky [to draw with City].
"I understand to an extent it was bound to happen. Cape Town City pushed us hard. They have youngsters that have a lot of energy."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stellenbosch - Devin Titus is in red-hot form for the Maroons after scoring three goals in his last four games. The 23-year-old winger has caused defenders all over the country problems with his direct style, but he has more than just goals in his arsenal after also registering three assists in 20 league appearances.
Sekhukhune United - Linda Mntambo has made up for lost time after playing a key role in Babina Noko's impressive start to the second half of the season. The 34-year-old midfielder bagged a brace against the Citizens to make it six goals in five appearances since returning to action after a long injury lay-off.
HEAD-TO-HEAD (Previous DStv Premiership Meetings)
Matches - 4
Stellenbosch wins - 0
Sekhukhune wins - 1
Draws - 3