Tonight, under the lights of Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, a titanic clash is set to unfold as Stellenbosch FC lock horns with Kaizer Chiefs in a highly anticipated encounter.
Stellenbosch, the pride of the Cape Winelands, will be looking to make their home advantage count as they seek to upset one of the league’s giants. However, standing in their way are the formidable Kaizer Chiefs, a team steeped in history, will be determined to assert their dominance and continue their push towards the top of the standings.
Date: February 07, 2025
Venue: Athlone Stadium
Kickoff Time: 19:30
PRE-GAME ODDS:
HOME: 21/20 (1.09) – 42%
DRAW: 9/4 (2.25) – 29%
AWAY: 26/10 (2.65) – 29%
STELLENBSOCH FORM – DWLDL
Stellenbosch have had a mixed bag of results recently in the Betway Premiership. They have shown flashes of brilliance, like their five-star performance against AmaZulu, winning the match 5-0. That said, The Maroons have also struggled to maintain consistency as seen in their recent draw against Sekhukhune United.
Steve Barker’s team have recorded two draws, one victory, and a loss in the last four home games which makes them a tough team to beat at home. They will be hoping to use that to their advantage in hopes of adding another valuable three points to their tally.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:
ASHLEY CUPIDO: A pacey and skilful forward, Cupido is a constant threat to opposing defences. He has an eye for goal and can create chances for his teammates. The 23-year-old has made 13 appearances in the Betway Premiership this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
DEVIN TITUS: This young midfielder has been a revelation for Stellenbosch this season. He possesses excellent passing ability and vision, and he’s also not afraid to put in a tackle. The right-winger has scored four goals and provided two assists in 13 Betway Premiership matches this season.
CHUMANI BUTSAKA: A versatile player who can operate as a defensive midfielder to provide cover for the backline or as an attacking midfielder. Since making the move from Cape Town Spurs, Butsaka has injected energy into the midfield and has been an exceptional addition to the squad. Steve Barker has had high praise for the 23-year-old, and he has repaid the recognition with two goals and two assists thus far.
STELLENBOSCH TEAM NEWS:
Lehlohonolo Mojela (injured), Fewaaz Basadien (suspended)
KAIZER CHIEFS FORM – DLWLW
Kaizer Chiefs, despite their rich history, have been experiencing a period of transition and inconsistency. I think it’s fair to say that they have had mixed results all season and have struggled to string together consistent wins, often alternating between victories, draws, and losses. This has made it difficult for them to gain momentum and challenge for league honours.
While they have shown attacking prowess at times, their defensive vulnerabilities are a major concern, leaking goals and making crucial errors. Their away form has been below their high standards, collecting just a single point on the road, with three defeats and a draw in the previous four away matches.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:
YUSUF MAART: A dynamic midfielder, Maart is the engine of the Chiefs’ team. He’s a box-to-box midfielder with excellent passing ability, a strong tackle, and an eye for goal. He will be crucial in dictating the tempo of the game and providing service to the forwards.
TASHREEQ MORRIS: A target man upfront, Morris is a physical presence and a real handful for defenders. He’s good in the air and can hold the ball up well, bringing his teammates into play. Morris will be eager to make a huge impression in this fixture and his experience will be valuable in this exciting encounter.
MAKABI LILEPO: Lilepo is a pacey and skilful winger who can cause problems for any defence. He’s physicality and excellent technical skills allows him to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He’s a threat on the counterattack and has the ability to finish clinically. The Glamour Boys will be looking to him to provide the cutting edge in the attack.
KAIZER CHIEFS TEAM NEWS:
George Matlou (injured), Wandile Duba (injured)
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD:
Last five meetings (all competitions)
08/01/2025: Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch
02/04/2024: Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 Stellenbosch
30/08/2023: Stellenbosch 0-2 Kaizer Chiefs
01/04/2023: Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch
09/10/2022: Stellenbosch 1-3 Kaizer Chiefs
PREDICTED LINE-UP:
STELLENBOSCH: 4-3-3
Stephens, Mdaka, Moloisane, Toure, Godswill, Nduli, Butsaka, Khiba, Titus, de Jong, Phili
KAIZER CHIEFS: 4-3-3
Bvuma, Ditlhokwe, Dortley, Miguel, Blom, Mthethwa, Maart, Shabalala, Lilepo, Morris, Mmodi
SUGGESTED BETS:
KAIZER CHIEFS: Back the visitors to claim a big win. They have the players to put Stellenbosch under a host of pressure and I think they will to Steve Barker’s inconsistencies. Back the visitors at 26/10.
BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE: There are attacking threats on both sides of the pitch here. Neither side is going to play safe, and I think the game will open up nicely. Back both teams at 19/20
VALUE BETS:
OVER 2.5 GOALS: Another betting avenue underpinned by the goals market is to back over 2.5 goals here. Get stuck in at 12/10
BOTH HALVES OVER 1.5: Both teams have shown the ability to create many chances in the final third and with what’s at stake, I believe both teams will find the back of net. Get on (Yes) at 54/10.
PREDICTION: KAIZER CHIEFS TO WIN
This match has all the ingredients for a classic encounter. Stellenbosch can be a tough team to beat at home and they have a passionate crowd behind them in which they tend to raise their game on their own turf.
However, Chiefs have a squad with a lot of experience in playing in big games, which could play a pivotal role in this high-pressure situation. They can produce moments of magic that can win games which will motivate them to come out and prove their doubters wrong as they aim to snatch a vital three points in their pursuit to climb into the top four of the league standings.
Written by Marc Strydom.