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Stellies bank on Cup pedigree ahead of SSU clash
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker will bank on his side’s recent success in a cup competition when they face SuperSport United at the Danie Craven Stadium in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Bank on Saturday afternoon.
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Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
The reigning Carling Knockout winners reached the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup via a 6-1 win against Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Milford FC in the Round of 16 on the 15th of March.
🗣️ "It's a big game for the club to try to get into another semi-final and to obviously go one better this year by making the final..."
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) April 12, 2024
Andre de Jong has made his target clear 🏆 https://t.co/o4lSISMIwI pic.twitter.com/00ErUgPmTN
As one of the most in-form teams in the country at the moment, Stellies are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions, while Barker’s side occupy second place on the DStv Premiership table.
SuperSport, on the other hand, have been struggling to string positive results together since the turn of the year.
While Gavin Hunt’s side are on a seven-match winless streak in the league, the Tshwane-outfit last tasted victory in the Nedbank Cup following their 3-1 win against Richards Bay in the Round of 16.
🚨NEXT MATCH🚨#NedbankCup2024 Quarter-Final action loading! ⌛⚽
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) April 12, 2024
🆚 @StellenboschFC
🏟 Danie Craven Stadium
🗓 13 April 2024
⏰ 15:00
📺 SS PSL 202
We go again, Spartans! 🔵💪#MatsatsantsaUnified | #NedbankCup pic.twitter.com/gTGOVbgM4h
WHAT WAS SAID?
“We’ve been very competitive in the cup competitions of late and obviously having won a cup competition this season [the Carling Knockout in December] I think this gives the players that extra motivation and desire to, again, try and get into the semifinals,” Barker said ahead of the upcoming tie.
“I really believe that winning the Carling Knockout gave us belief that we can get into the far end of tournaments. We’ve got to give it our best shot against SuperSport. They are obviously a very tough opposition. It’ll be our fourth time playing them this season and all our meetings with them were really tight games, so I don’t expect the upcoming fixture to be any different.”
“It’s going to be a tough game,” Hunt said of Stellies.
They haven’t lost in 19 games or so; they’ve got a good run, so we are under no illusions. It’s going to be a tough game away from home. We are going against the grain.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stellenbosch FC: Devin Titus – Titus has been one of Stellies’ best players this season and often showcased his big match temperament against top quality opposition throughout the campaign. After scoring the winning goal against Kaizer Chiefs in his side’s most recent league win, Titus will no doubt be eyeing the scalp of yet another PSL giant this weekend.
SuperSport United: Terence Dzvukamanja – Often getting the nod under Hunt this season, Dzvukamanja’s hard work in attack has been greatly appreciated by the SSU coaching staff and players alike. In need of goals and inspiration, Dzvukamanja could well be the spark needed to kickstart SSU’s campaign during the run-in period of the campaign.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last cup tie:
2023/24 MTN8 Quarterfinals
SuperSport 0-1* Stellenbosch (*After extra time)
Last five league encounters:
2021/22 SuperSport 0-0 Stellenbosch
2022/23 Stellenbosch 0-2 SuperSport
2022/23 SuperSport 0-0 Stellenbosch
2023/24 Stellenbosch 1-2 SuperSport
2023/24 SuperSport 1-1 Stellenbosch
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