Stellenbosch FC’s tactics ahead of the MTN8 Cup final are under scrutiny, with claims they aimed to disadvantage Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Before their MTN8 quarter-final clash against TS Galaxy, Stellenbosch were reportedly in negotiations with Pirates over the transfer of their captain, Deano van Rooyen.
Despite Van Rooyen’s impending transfer, he was surprisingly brought on as a substitute during the final minutes of Stellenbosch’s 3-1 victory over Galaxy.
This decision left Van Rooyen cup-tied just as Pirates announced his signing a week later.
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker defended the move, stating, “No, he’s had a bit of niggle the last couple of days, so it was a little more precautionary, plus also the conditions of the pitch.”
He added, “We’ve always said we want to keep our best players as we feel we are a team that can challenge for honours in the league, and our intention is to work as hard as we can to make sure we retain our squad.”
In addition to Van Rooyen, Iqraam Rayners was also included in the squad despite ongoing talks about his transfer to Sundowns.
This strategic inclusion has been interpreted by some as a calculated move by Stellenbosch to prevent Rayners from strengthening his new team in the MTN8 semi-finals, which Stellies won 2-0 on aggregate over two legs.
As a result, Stellies have avoided facing Rayners twice and will also not contend with Van Rooyen in the final.
In a twist, Pirates have secured former Stellenbosch performance analyst Devon O’Brien, who could provide crucial insights into Stellies’ strategies.
As the MTN8 final approaches, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with Stellies’ tactics adding an intriguing layer to the battle for the R10 million prize.