Stellenbosch FC host Richards Bay FC at the Danie Craven Stadium tonight at 19:30 in a Betway Premiership showdown.
With Stellenbosch reeling from recent defeats and Richards Bay scrapping for survival, this clash could prove pivotal in their campaigns.
RECENT FORM AND STANDINGS:
Stellenbosch have faltered, losing 3-2 to TS Galaxy at home on February 18, 2025, despite Ashley Cupido’s brace and a Devin Titus goal. A 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs on February 7 compounded their woes, leaving them winless in their last two league outings. Coach Steve Barker has said they “must stop leaking goals.” As of February 20, they sit 8th with 23 points from 18 matches (6 wins, 5 draws, 7 losses), per the latest Premiership table.
Richards Bay, led by Roni Gabriel, have flickered with promise. They beat Polokwane City 2-0 in the league on February 15 and Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the Nedbank Cup on February 8, though a 2-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs on November 27 lingers. Vilakazi has said his squad are “finding rhythm.” They’re currently 14th with 15 points from 18 games (4 wins, 3 draws, 11 losses), battling to escape the relegation playoff zone.
LAST FIVE MEETINGS:
Oct 26, 2024: Richards Bay 0-0 Stellenbosch (Premiership) – A tense draw with Stellenbosch down to ten.
Sep 3, 2022: Stellenbosch 1-2 Richards Bay (Premiership) – Richards Bay stole it late.
Feb 4, 2022: Richards Bay 0-1 Stellenbosch (Nedbank Cup) – Stellenbosch scraped through.
Oct 20, 2020: Stellenbosch 2-0 Richards Bay (Playoffs) – A dominant win.
Mar 1, 2020: Richards Bay 1-1 Stellenbosch (NFD) – Honours shared.
Stellenbosch edge it with two wins, one draw, and two losses.
SQUAD UPDATES:
Stellenbosch regain Fawaaz Basadien and Ashley Cupido, but Sihle Nduli and Kyle Jurgens are suspended, and Bradley Mojela is injured. Sanele Barns, now with Stellenbosch after his move from Richards Bay, is fit after an illness sidelined him earlier this month.
Barker has said Barns “adds flair.”
Richards Bay expect Simphiwe Mcineka to be fit, with no major injuries. Thabiso Kutumela, a January signing, boosts their attack. Vilakazi has kept his squad steady.
KEY FIGURES:
Barker’s Stellenbosch lean on Barns’ pace and creativity—he’s promised to “haunt” his former club. Cupido’s finishing is vital.
Vilakazi’s Richards Bay rely on Somila Ntsundwana’s physicality and Kutumela’s nous upfront.
WHAT’S AT STAKE:
Stellenbosch, stuck in mid-table at 8th, need a win to reignite their top-half push. Richards Bay, languishing in 14th, aim to claw away from danger. Expect a scrappy, high-stakes battle.