Stellenbosch vs Mamelodi Sundowns | Sunday 01 September | 15:00
Mamelodi Sundowns failed to take advantage of their home ground when they went down 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final, they are expected to come out gun blazing to overturn the 1-0 deficit and book a spot in their second consecutive final.
Stellenbosch FC
The Cape Winelands side showed that they are a side to be taken seriously when they went pound for pound and grabbed an important win thanks to Fawaaz Basadien’s penalty. They will be aiming to defend their lead in a bid to play their first-ever MTN8 final.
The high-flying Stellenbosch side continued with last season’s impressive form when they thrashed TS Galaxy 3-1 to win their quarterfinal tie. Despite the Rockets scoring early in the 18th minute through Kamogelo Sebelebele, Stellies were quick to regroup and net the equalizer through Jayden Adams just seven minutes later. Goals from Andre de Jong and Fawaaz Basadien sealed the semi-final spot for the Cape Wineland side.
Stellies followed the 3-1 win with an 8-0 aggregate against Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspur in the CAF Confederations Cup, they won the first leg 3-0 and the second leg ended in 5-0 thrashing. This means they have scored eleven goals in three matches which is good motivation when heading to a gruelling match against Sundowns.
They suffered a major blow when their captain and long-time servant Deano van Rooyen was snatched by Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. Iqraam Rayners who is their all-time leading goal scorer was recently confirmed to have moved to Mamelodi Sundowns after they triggered his buy-out clause. Antino van Wyk, 22, is also set to leave the club to join Austrian side SV Ried. The club has seen a total of six exits including Qobolwakhe Sibande, Nhlanhla Mgaga and Salifu Colley.
Steve Barker’s new signings, former TS Galaxy forward Bradley Mojela and Sanele Barns from Richards Bay FC, look to be settling well in the club and will be instrumental in this clash.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Masandawana struggled in their opening match against Polokwane City and to make matters worse, goalkeeper Denis Onyango received a red card in the 83rd minute after he handled the ball outside the box. The Pretoria side managed to overcome City thanks to Thabang Matuludi who scored an own-goal during the additional extra time in a match that looked destined to be decided on penalties.
The struggle continued for Manqoba Mngqithi’s side and this time they were punished for their mistakes and ended up losing a crucial home game. A lot needs to be done in order for them to win the second leg.
Despite their underwhelming performance, Sundowns has had plenty of time to go back to the drawing board, work on their mistakes and come up with a winning formula. To add to that, they have also been fortunate to watch their opponents play two games, this will give them an idea of what to expect and will be helpful in their preparation for the clash.
With Onyango currently suspended and Ronwen Williams still not medically cleared to compete following a shoulder injury that he sustained during the African Cup of Nations in January, Jody February is expected to start in goals for Sundowns. Thembinkosi Lorch looks to be back in training and may be part of this match while new signing Kobamelo Kodisang is yet to be featured.
It came as a shock when Tashreeq Mathews was handed a start ahead of experienced Themba Zwane, but he performed well and proved that he deserved it. It will be interesting to see if he is also going to be in the starting line-up again in this match. Lucas Ribeiro also had a wonderful game playing as a false nine, creating a number of chances for Peter Shalulile which were not converted into goals. Arthur Sales made his debut when he came in as a second-half substitute and missed a one-on-one chance that could’ve earned his side a draw.
Prediction: Stellies to win.
There is a lot that has changed since these two clubs last met, it is hard to predict who has an advantage heading into this match. The ball that Sundowns were playing in their last game against Polokwane City is totally different from their style of play when the recently departed Rulani Mokwena was at the helm. Meanwhile, Stellies have not really been tested since the departure of Iqraam Rayners as Nsingizini Hotspur were not much of a threat.
Written by Siphesihle Soni.