Kaizer Chiefs are set to reignite their rivalry with Stellenbosch FC when they lock horns in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal this Saturday.
This will be the third meeting between these two this year and Chiefs emerged victorious in both matches. It remains to be seen whether or not they will get another victory.
Form Guide
Stellenbosch FC will head into this encounter with a strong sense of determination, eager to prove themselves after suffering two defeats to Kaizer Chiefs earlier this season. While Amakhosi have struggled with inconsistency as they work to regain their former glory, they remain a team with undeniable potential. Chiefs have been aiming to end a long trophy drought, having gone a decade without lifting silverware, and they will be motivated to add to their collection.
Despite Chiefs’ struggles, Stellenbosch FC has shown themselves to be a resilient and dangerous side, particularly in cup competitions, where they have consistently posed a threat. Their ability to rise to the occasion in knockout tournaments makes them a formidable opponent, and they will be looking to make a statement against Kaizer Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs demonstrated their quality in the round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Chippa United, showcasing their attacking prowess and clinical finishing. That performance serves as a reminder of their potential when they are firing on all cylinders.
On the other hand, Stellenbosch’s season has been marked by near-misses. They narrowly fell short in the MTN8 final, losing to Orlando Pirates in a hard-fought match that left them disappointed but proud of their performances. Steve Barker’s side is clearly capable of going toe-to-toe with the best, and they will be eager to bounce back and claim a significant scalp in this competition.
Player Spotlight
The return of former Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Du Preez will be a significant boost to Nasreddine Nabi’s attacking options, especially following the injury to Tashreeq Morris, who joins Wandile Duba in the recovery room. Du Preez’s return to full fitness comes at a crucial time, offering much-needed depth to Kaizer Chiefs’ forward line.
Fresh off a contract extension, Du Preez will remain with Chiefs until 2027, a move that demonstrates the club’s confidence in the dynamic forward. Despite interest from overseas clubs, the 27-year-old’s contract was extended for an additional two years, highlighting the club’s commitment to retaining key players as they work towards returning to their former glory under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Du Preez made his comeback in Chiefs’ 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, coming on as a first-half substitute but was later substituted himself. However, he quickly made an impact in his next appearance, coming off the bench to score the match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Magesi FC. His crucial goal secured three valuable points for Chiefs, underscoring his importance to the team and reaffirming why the club worked swiftly to extend his contract.
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday, 08 March and will be carried live on the public broadcaster’s radio stations for commentary. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 202 and can also be streamed on Showmax.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
The 46 000 seater stadium will host the clash between Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs. Located in Gqeberha, the stadium is one of five new stadiums that were built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and hosted several group stage matches during the tournament.
Since the club’s formation, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium served as the home ground for Chippa United, one of South Africa’s sixteen topflight clubs which competes in the Betway Premiership.
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
Stellenbosch 47/20 | Draw 2/1 | Kaizer Chiefs 27/20
This will no doubt be a highly-contested match as both managers are known for their tactical acumen. Steve Barker will ensure that he avoids another loss to Chiefs. Nabi, on the other hand, will be aiming to capitalise on a chance to win a trophy in his first season but he will be without Gaston Sirino who is serving suspensions.
Chiefs are definitely under pressure to claim silverware this season and I think they will take a step in the right direction here.
Back a win for Amakhosi and over 2.5 goals at 34/10.