The first leg of this exciting matchup between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch is set to take place tonight at the famous Lucas Moripe Stadium. The excitement and anticipation surrounding this fixture will grab everyone’s attention as both teams look to take the advantage into the second leg.
To win (90 min)
Mamelodi Sundowns 5/10
Draw 11/4
Stellenbosch 58/10
Mamelodi Sundowns
The Brazilians have made it to yet another semi-final after edging Polokwane City 1-0 in the quarterfinals. City made life difficult for last season’s runners-up despite Sundowns dominating all areas of the match.
We understand that a new era has taken off at Sundowns, with Manqoba Mnqithi at the helm, but it was not the silky, fluid, Sundowns we are so accustomed to seeing. As time went on, pressure was mounting as the Brazilians were still seeking a goal. Dennis Onyango was given a straight red card in the 83’ minute after he handled the ball outside the box, adding further pressure to their ambitions of advancing to the next round.
The match was dead locked at 0-0 after regulation time and both teams had to prepare for an additional 30 minutes to find a winner, or a penalty shootout would decide who advances to the next round. City had the numerical advantage and tried to take the game to Sundowns. Still, for all their hard work it was an own goal by Thabang Matuludi in the 102’ minute that ended Rise and Shine’s hopes of making it to the semi-finals and gifted the Brazilians a free pass into the next round.
Facing Stellenbosch will be a different challenge for Mnqithi and his men but having home-ground advantage could play a pivotal role in getting the win and taking the advantage into the second leg. A more improved, determined, and fierce performance is required, especially with all the firepower Sundowns pose in their ranks.
The last three meetings with Stellenbosch went in favour of Masandawana which they can draw some inspiration from as they look to maintain that unbeaten record and continue their quest to land this prestigious trophy since lifting it in 2021.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch has been climbing the ranks and going about their business in the right way. Their professionalism and hard work under Steve Barker’s guidance have been at the forefront of their success and now well-established as one of the top teams in the topflight.
Facing a tricky TS Galaxy in the quarterfinals was always going to be a tough challenge but the quality of the Cape Winelands team proved too much to manage for The Rockets and Stellies walked away with a comfortable 3-1 victory with goals from Jayden Adams, Andre de Jong, and Fawaaz Basadien.
This is the second consecutive season Stellies have reached the semi-final stage, with the experience gained, Barker will know the importance of approaching this fixture in the right frame of mind as their opponents are, by all means, no pushover.
Losing the previous three meetings with Sundowns will be a source of motivation for The Maroons as they go in search of a second domestic cup, after lifting the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup, since reaching the topflight in 2020. It has been a difficult few weeks for Barker, losing his captain Deano van Rooyen to current MTN8 champions Orlando Pirates and their talisman Iqraam Rayners who recently moved to Mamelodi Sundown, and is ineligible to play due to being Cup-tied.
That being said, Stellies has been busy behind the scenes and has done some impressive work in the transfer market bringing in Sanele Barns from Richards Bay and Lehlohonolo Mojela from TS Galaxy. Barker will look to these key players to influence the game along with Jayden Adams, Andre de Jong, and Devin Titus. It’s now or never for Barker and The Marrons.
Prediction: Sundowns to win.
This fixture will come down to fine margins on the day and whoever handles the pressure and wants it more will come out as the winner on the evening. Looking at the quality of each side and given home-ground advantage, I see Sundowns narrowly winning the first leg.
Written by Marc Strydom.