SSU seek winning momentum ahead of tough Stellies clash

SuperSport United could make it three wins on the spin in the Betway Premiership this weekend when they take on a stuttering Stellenbosch FC outfit at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday night.

Kick-off is at 8:00pm (CAT,GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

On the back of a largely inconsistent start to the 2024/25 campaign, SuperSport United managed to knit consecutive wins together for the first time this season during the month of December.

Gavin Hunt and his charges recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins against Richards Bay and Magesi in their last two outings and moved up to fifth on the log as a result.

Overall, the Tshwane-based giants have accumulated just 15 points from 11 matches played as they remain a side looking to challenge for a place higher up the table.

As for Stellenbosch, the Cape Winelands side suffered a narrow 1-0 loss against Mamelodi Sundowns in their most recent league assignment. Prior to their defeat against the reigning Betway Premiership holders, Stellies went on a seven-match unbeaten streak that included four wins and three stalemates since the month of September.

Stellenbosch will now enter this weekend’s list of Betway Premiership action sitting in fourth position after their nine matches played.

WHAT WAS SAID

Reflecting on his evergreen career, 36-year-old Bradley Grobler suggested that he will continue to make sacrifices to continue playing at the highest level.

“I think it starts from taking care of yourself,” Grobler said.

“I have been playing football for a long time, and I know what one should do and sacrifice to have a long career.

“Football is something I love, and I know there are a lot of people [current players and future players] looking up to me. What I can demonstrate to them is playing football and leave a mark that will inspire someone to have a great career in football.”

Speaking after his side’s recent loss against Sundowns, Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker mentioned that the Brazilians were in a position to take full advantage of their defensive mishaps.

“It was a game of two halves, we didn’t play as we should in the first half, just one or two execution issues, a bit of decision-making, and a couple of errors,” Barker said.

“We knew a player like Iqi (Rayners) is clever with his movement behind. Obviously, we conceded, arguably they could’ve had a second before halftime with a couple of chances that [Lucas] Ribeiro had.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SuperSport United: Bradley Grobler – As a consistent goal-getter for SuperSport, Grobler is yet to fire at all cylinders during the 2024/25 campaign. With two goals to his name in four league matches played so far, Grobler will once again be tasked to produce the goods this weekend.

Stellenbosch FC: Andre de Jong – While Grobler will be under the spotlight for SSU, de Jong will be expected to lead the attack line for Stellenbosch on Saturday. Best known for having a well-rounded game as an attacker, de Jong will be eager to increase his Betway Premiership goal tally (1) on Saturday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last five league games

2021/22 SuperSport United 0-0 Stellenbosch FC

2022/23 Stellenbosch FC 0-2 SuperSport United

2022/23 SuperSport United 0-0 Stellenbosch FC

2023/24 Stellenbosch FC 1-2 SuperSport United

2023/24 SuperSport United 1-1 Stellenbosch FC