Stellies, Sundowns in top-of-the-log clash

Stellenbosch FC will go head to head with Mamelodi Sundowns in a top-of-the-DStv Premiership-log encounter at the Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

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

CURRENT FORM

Stellies saw their impressive 19-match unbeaten run in the league come to an end when they succumbed to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Moroka Swallows away on 11 May.

Despite the defeat, Stellenbosch remained second in the DStv Premiership standings, but they are just a point above second-placed Orlando Pirates as the battle to finish second and qualify for the CAF Champions League continues with two games left.

Meanwhile, Sundowns extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 51 matches in the league when they secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Royal AM away on 14 May.

Masandawana clinched this season's DStv Premiership title with six matches to spare and the Tshwane giants are looking to become the first team to go the entire PSL campaign without losing in a single league game with three games left.

Primed for a massive encounter at Athlone Stadium this weekend 👊 pic.twitter.com/7lAyS9aNdk
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 16, 2024

TEAM NEWS

Sundowns will welcome back Mosa Lebusa from suspension, but the likes of Bongani Zungu, Thapelo Maseko, Lucas Ribeiro, Teboho Mokoena and Rushine De Reuck are nursing injuries.

Stellenbosch, on the other hand, have no suspension concerns and they are yet to report injuries in their camp ahead of their game against the champions.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker

“It [the loss to Swallows] is a blow but we've got to keep at it and there's no reason we can't beat Sundowns at home,” Barker said.

“A tough task [to beat Sundowns], they're a good team. But I thought we did enough in the semifinal [Stellies lost 2-0 but mostly matched Sundowns blow for blow in this month's Nedbank Cup match] to get a sense for that match. The key is to get back the energy and the spark and push for two more matches."

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena

"Another amazing performance. A lot of effort, a lot of intensity and I'm very happy with their performance today [Tuesday against Royal AM]," Mokwena said.

"I just keep demanding more but I demand more from myself, first I have to demand more from myself and then I have to set an example. When I give more, it means everybody else has no excuse not to give more and that's what they are doing."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Iqraam Rayners, Stellenbosch: The Bafana Bafana forward is in the race for the DStv Premiership Golden Boot award having netted 14 goals. Rayners will be keen to add to his tally and help Stellies end Sundowns' unbeaten run.

Peter Shalulile, Mamelodi Sundowns: The Namibia international has hit form having found the back of the net in each of his last two league matches and he will be determined to inspire his side to their third successive victory.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2019/20 Sundowns 3-1 Stellenbosch Zwane (pen), Mkhulise, Makgalwa; Moon

2019/20 Stellenbosch 0-1 Sundowns Zwane

2020/21 Sundowns 3-0 Stellenbosch Shalulile, Erasmus, Zwane

2020/21 Stellenbosch 1-2 Sundowns Dimgba; Sirino, Shalulile

2021/22 Stellenbosch 1-1 Sundowns Mendieta (pen); Lakay

2021/22 Sundowns 0-3 Stellenbosch Du Preez 2, Adams

2022/23 Sundowns 3-0 Stellenbosch Maema, Shalulile, Allende

2022/23 Stellenbosch 1-1 Sundowns Rayners (pen); Mailula

2023/24 Sundowns 3-1 Stellenbosch Kekana, Modiba, Mabena; Titus