Richards Bay & Stellies eye winning momentum in latest league clash

After recording victories in their most recent set of fixtures, Richards Bay and Stellenbosch FC will now shift their attention to the Betway Premiership this weekend when they do battle at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Despite a largely inconsistent run of form in the last couple of months, Richards Bay will no doubt draw inspiration from their recent 1-0 win against Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout Cup last week.

In the league, the Natal Rich Boyz are winless in their last three fixtures and currently occupy 10th position on the table.

Stellenbosch on the other hand, go into their next game on the back of a 2-0 win against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium earlier the 23rd of October.

Looking to challenge the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at the top of the pile, Stellies sit in 3rd place on the log and are unbeaten in their previous three Betway Premiership encounters.

WHAT WAS SAID

Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter mentioned that his side are preparing for a difficult week, while facing a potential title challenge to the Stellies outfit.

"But I'm sure we will be out for it and at the same time we got a very tricky fixture against Stellenbosch and after Sekhukhune. So, it is going to be a difficult week for us,” Truter expressed.

"Stellies is a team in the up. Many believe they will challenge [Mamelodi] Sundowns or get into the top four.”

Stellenbosch FC mentor Steve Barker hopes that his side can maintain their winning momentum in the league and that he wants the Cape Winelands side to do well in all competitions.

“This will be a congested season, with league, cup and continental games overlapping,” Barker said.

“We hope our momentum holds, and we will look to maintain consistency whenever we play.

“The league is our bread and butter, and we must challenge at the top end of the table. Every game is important.

“We travel to Durban for a Saturday match, and then play Marumo Gallants. It does not stop, but we want to do well in all competitions.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richards Bay: Somila Ntsundwana – The versatile attacker has been a staple of Truter this season and is likely to get the nod in the league this weekend. With Stellies expected to play an expansive game, particularly in wide areas of the pitch, Ntsundwana could be afforded space to exploit the opposition backline.

Stellenbosch FC: Ashley Cupido – After becoming a household name in South Africa’s first division, Cupido recently opened his account for the Cape Winelands side. Given Stellenbosch’s abundant service in attack, Cupido will no doubt be eager to extend his goal tally this weekend.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last four league results:

2022/23 Stellenbosch FC 1-2 Richards Bay

2022/23 Richards Bay 1-2 Stellenbosch FC

2023/24 Stellenbosch FC 2-1 Richards Bay

2023/24 Richards Bay 2-1 Stellenbosch FC