Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker believes their continued exposure to the cup semi-final will lead to more growth as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN 8 at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Wednesday, August 28.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM:
The Maroons booked a date with the Brazilians in the penultimate stage of the Wafa Wafa competition after beating TS Galaxy 3-1 in the quarterfinals on August 4.
This will be the fifth consecutive last-four outing for Barker's side, who went on to win their maiden trophy last season with victory over the Rockets on penalties in the Carling Knockout final.
Stellies also came up against Bafana ba Style in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals and narrowly lost 2-1 on that occasion, leaving Barker in no doubt that they will benefit from these experiences.
The Cape Winelands outfit have already played three competitive matches in 2024-25 and crushed Nsingizini Hotspurs 5-0 on August 24 in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first round to progress 8-0 on aggregate.
Sundowns last won the MTN 8 title in 2021, although they featured in the 2023 final and succumbed to defending champions Orlando Pirates 3-1 on penalties.
Manqoba Mngqithi's side were made to work for their place in semi-finals, having needed extra time to dispose of Polokwane City (1-0) in the previous round on August 11 with just 10 men following the dismissal of Denis Onyango in the 83rd minute.
It was Mngqithi's first game since returning to the helm after the shock departure of Rulani Mokwena in the off-season, but he reckons there will be more pressure on Barker.
WHAT WAS SAID:
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi
"Stellenbosch are not changing coaches a lot and they have a very clear playing philosophy, which is working for them. [But] I remember after winning the MTN8 with Golden Arrows, the expectation from management started to shift and they started to believe that maybe the team should be in the top four.
"When they start to put that stress on the team, it starts to create problems. I always make an example of [Claudio] Ranieri at Leicester City, he won the league with a lot of counter-attacks and they were strong on set-pieces and immediately expectations grew after winning the league.
"Ranieri lost his job as the expectations moved and I'm just a little bit scared that maybe Stellenbosch might go that direction, thinking that the team has matured and the expectations start to grow a bit."
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker
"I think most definitely [we've grown], last year we played Pirates in a home and away leg. We lost that game because of a red card and late goal but went away and beat them 1-0 and got eliminated on away goals. So we were very disappointed in not making that final and that experience alongside all the other semi-final losses.
"When you expose yourself to that many semi-finals, you learn from it. We played Sundowns in the Nedbank semi-final, as well, and took them to the wire. So, yes, lessons have been learnt and the more we keep knocking on semi-final doors, the more it's going to be open."
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Mamelodi Sundowns - Lucas Ribeiro enjoyed an outstanding debut season in South Africa and was a key player for Masandawana in 2023-24, contributing 16 goals and nine assists in 37 appearances across all competitions as they won the Premiership title and the inaugural African Football League. The Brazilian's 12 goals in the league saw him finish third in the race for the Golden Boot behind Iqraam Rayners (15) and Tshegofatso Mabasa (16).
Stellenbosch - Sanele Barns made his Stellies debut as a substitute against Galaxy in the previous round and was handed his first start in the 3-0 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first round. The 27-year-old winger was Richards Bay's standout player last term and Barker will be hoping he can replicate his form at the Danie Craven Stadium.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: (PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS)
Matches - 4
Sundowns wins - 3
Stellenbosch wins - 1
Draws - 0