Stellenbosch FC is on the verge of reaching a third cup final in as many seasons as they head into the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United.
Form Guide
The Cape Winelands side holds a commanding 2-0 lead after their first-leg victory at Danie Craven Stadium last weekend, with goals from Enyinnaya Godswill and Devin Titus. That win was particularly significant, marking the first time Stellenbosch had beaten Sekhukhune at home and by more than a single goal.
Both teams have shown their resilience in this tournament. In the quarter-finals, both clubs rallied from a deficit to secure a win, each scoring three goals while conceding two.
In league play, Sekhukhune has been on a tear, defeating Orlando Pirates in their season opener before adding wins against TS Galaxy and a convincing 3-0 thrashing of Orbit College. Stellenbosch, who won the Carling Knockout last season but fell to Pirates in the MTN8 final, is hungry for more silverware.
What was Said
“We’re looking forward to another exciting challenge,” said Stellenbosch manager Steve Barker, whose team’s objective in the first leg was to score and keep a clean sheet. Despite their advantage, he remains cautious.
“We are aware that the game is only halfway done. Sekhukhune are a very good team… and they will have the same ambitions of reaching a final. We’ve got to be positive and take the game to Sekhukhune.”
Sekhukhue United boss Eric Tinkler, who lifted the MTN8 trophy with SuperSport United in 2017, remains defiant despite the two-goal deficit. He’s drawing inspiration from their quarter-final comeback, where they overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat TS Galaxy 3-2. “I try to treat this game as the second half of the tie, and turn it around,” Tinkler stated.
“We obviously have to take more risks in attack, be braver on the ball, and more assertive going forward… Most importantly, you need to stay positive, go out there, and try to get that early goal.”
For a club like Sekhukhune, reaching the final would be “massive,” Tinkler added, noting it would “add a piece of history.” The stage is set for a thrilling second leg as both sides fight for a spot in the final.
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 18:00 on Saturday, 23 August 2025 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.
Old Peter Mokaba Stadium Stadium
The 45 000 seater stadium will host the clash between Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch. The Polokwane based stadium was refurbished to a state-of-the-art stadium ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and hosted several group-stage matches during the global football spectacle.
The stadium primarily serves as the home ground for Sekhukhune United, one of the teams in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL). That being said, it has hosted various PSL matches, including high-profile encounters involving teams such as Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
Sekhukhune United 16/10 | Draw 9/4 | Stellenbosch 17/10
The tactical battle between coaches Steve Barker and Eric Tinkler adds another layer of intrigue. Barker has dominated their past encounters, winning eight of 13 meetings and going unbeaten in the last nine, including six straight victories.
I think the play is Sekhukhune United on the double chance and BTTS (yes) at 18/10.