As two of the most in-form sides in the PSL at the moment, Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch FC will do battle in a keenly anticipated DStv Premiership clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night.
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Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Current form
Second-placed Stellenbosch hosted Sekhukhune in their most recent league fixture, with the game ending in a 0-0 scoreline at a windy Danie Craven Stadium on 6 April.
Sitting in fourth position on the table, Babina Noko are currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak in the league, bagging five victories during this period which included a 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates at the end of March.
As for Stellenbosch, the Cape Winelands side are now on a 15-match unbeaten streak in the DStv Premiership and last tasted defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in a 3-1 result on 27 September last year.
Also, Steve Barker’s side go into their next tie on the back of a resounding 4-0 win over SuperSport United in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup this past weekend.
What was said…
“Not a chance [When asked if Sekhukhune have the advantage over Stellenbosch], Sekhukhune coach Lehlohonolo Seema said.
“You are talking about the No 2 in the league. This team (Stellenbosch) has proven it can collect points away from home so there's no edge for us.”
“This was one of the games [against SuperSport in Nedbank Cup] since I’ve been at this football club that I can look back and say this team has matured. They have grown and developed. We didn’t just show fighting quality but also quality with the ball,” Barker said.
“We’ll wait to see what the (semifinal) draw holds for us and then deal with that. We will concentrate on the league fixtures until the semifinal.
“We are away to Sekhukhune United, followed by a game in Mbombela against TS Galaxy. Those are two really tough away games against two teams that are in really good form.”
Players to watch:
Sekhukhune United: Linda Mntambo – The Sekhukhune midfielder has been central to his side’s recent upturn in results and was recently awarded the PSL Player of the Month award for March. The Stellies defence will have to be on high alert for the industrious midfielder, who enjoys making late runs into the area in search of goal-scoring opportunities.
Stellenbosch FC: Iqraam Rayners – Rayners was one of SuperSport’s best players during their 4-0 victory over SuperSport this past Saturday. Known for his elusive qualities on the edge of the area, Rayners has the quality to punish defences when given enough time on the ball to do so.
Head-to-head:
Last five league games:
2021-22 Sekhukhune United 1-1 Stellenbosch FC
2021-22 Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Sekhukhune United
2022-23 Sekhukhune United 1-1 Stellenbosch FC
2022-23 Stellenbosch FC 0-1 Sekhukhune United
2023-24 Stellenbosch FC 0-0 Sekhukhune United