In the chase for a Top 3 Betway Premiership finish, Stellenbosch FC will be hunting for three points on Tuesday when they host Magesi FC at the Danie Craven Stadium in the Winelands (kick-off 7.30pm).
Stellenbosch fought back gallantly for a 1-1 draw against the ever-improving Richards Bay in their previous match. They have struggled to find consistency this season and are currently in eighth place on the log, with six wins, six draws, and four losses from their 16 games.
With one win and one draw from their last two league fixtures, The Maroons will aim to secure maximum points before turning their attention to Friday’s home game against Polokwane City, who have suffered a dip in form.
Magesi are second from the bottom in the Premiership, two points behind Marumo Gallants FC. However, they seem to be turning their fortunes around, as two of their three league wins this season have come in their last three games.
After suffering a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of AmaZulu FC this past weekend, Magesi will attempt to escape the relegation zone when they play in Stellenbosch.
The bad news for Stellies is that highly rated defender Athenkosi Mcaba is unlikely to feature on Tuesday. He last played for Stellenbosch against Kaizer Chiefs on February 7 and has not featured in their last two league games due to injury.
In other team news, The Maroons will also be without playmaker Lehlohonolo Mojela, who is nursing a long-term knee injury. Magesi have not reported any injuries or suspensions and should be at full strength.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker believes a successive third-place finish in the Betway Premiership is still possible despite his misfiring attack, which had a glut of possession against Richards Bay but failed to capitalise.
“We've got to believe we can finish in the Top 3. That must be our target, and we have some key games coming up at home on Tuesday (against Magesi) and Friday (against Polokwane City), and then away to Marumo Gallants the following Tuesday.
“So, there’s a lot of football to be played. We've just got to be a little bit more ruthless, whether it's being streetwise or creating better moments.”
The player to watch for Stellenbosch is star striker Devon Titus. He has bagged five goals and two assists in 16 Premiership appearances this season. He has also excelled in other competitions, scoring two goals en route to the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals and two more in the CAF Confederation Cup to help his side reach the same stage.
Magesi's dangerman is winger Wonderboy Makhubu. He has contributed to more than a third of his team’s goals this season, scoring on three occasions and registering one assist in the Premiership. Magesi’s main man will look to add to his tally at the Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday.
This will be the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs.