Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is hoping that his side can manufacture positive results in their upcoming Betway Premiership fixtures as they prepare to take on Marumo Gallants at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm (CAT, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Despite suffering defeat in their opening League fixture, Stellies managed to kick-start their campaign by going on a four-match unbeaten run leading up to their game against Gallants.
Having recorded two wins and two draws during this period, Stellies head into their next encounter on the back of a frustrating 0-0 stalemate with Richards Bay FC at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on 26 October.
With the Cape Winelands side sitting in fifth position on the table, Gallants are hoping to build on their recent 1-1 draw with TS Galaxy at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium this past Saturday.
Prior to their most recent result, Gallants commenced the 2024/25 campaign with three consecutive defeats against Kaizer Chiefs, Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns.
As it stands, Gallants occupy 14th place on the log.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Following Stellenbosch’s 0-0 draw with Richards Bay, Steve Barker mentioned that his side will have to find ways to win and raise the bar for the rest of the campaign.
“Every year, every day in fact, you want to be better,” Barker said.
“After five games this season, we probably have more points than we had at the same stage last season, and people forget that we’ve already played 14 games this season [across all competitions]. We’ve won nine of those, drawn three, and lost two…
“We’ve raised the bar and I think we are maintaining that level. If we want to be who we want to be, we’ve got to keep raising the bar and our expectations and demand excellence from everybody day in and day out.
“We weren’t good enough to have won the game and we need to find ways to ensure that in these types of situations, and on days like today, we find a way to win.”
While Gallants will be on away soil this week, the club recently expressed their gratitude to their home fans who came out in their numbers at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium last time out.
“Thank You, Siwelele Sa Marumo!”, Gallants said.
“A massive shoutout to each and every one of you who came out to Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium! The energy, the passion, and the support you brought were truly unforgettable. You made the stadium come alive!
“Together, we’re building something special.”
👏 Thank You, Siwelele Sa Marumo! 👏
— MARUMO GALLANTS FC (@_Marumogallants) October 28, 2024
A massive shoutout to each and every one of you who came out to Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium! The energy, the passion, and the support you brought were truly unforgettable. You made the stadium come alive!#GallantsAllTheWay #ThankYouFans pic.twitter.com/j77vdDZiYp
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stellenbosch FC: Devin Titus – While Jayden Adams will be suspended for the upcoming tie after seeing red against Richards Bay, much pressure will be placed on Titus to produce the goods against Gallants on Wednesday evening.
Known for his technical prowess, the Stellenbosch midfielder has what it takes to unlock the tightest of defences with deft touches and movement around the 18-yard-area.
Marumo Gallants: Siyabulela Shai – With goals being hard to come by this season, Shai’s experience in the attack line will be important during high profile fixtures such as the one against Stellenbosch FC.
Given Stellies’ zest to progress up the pitch, Shai could be afforded space to run into during transitional moments.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last four league results:
2021/22 Stellenbosch FC 1-0 Marumo Gallants
2022/22 Marumo Gallants 1-0 Stellenbosch FC
2022/23 Marumo Gallants 0-0 Stellenbosch FC
2022/23 Stellenbosch FC 1-1 Marumo Gallants