Stellenbosch will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak as they host Polokwane City at Danie Craven Stadium on Friday in a pivotal Betway Premiership showdown.
Stellies, currently fifth in the standings, have been in fine form, winning three of their last four matches across all competitions.
Their most recent victory came on Tuesday when they edged out Magesi FC 2-1. A win against Polokwane would see them leapfrog their opponents into fourth place due to a superior goal difference.
In contrast, Polokwane City have struggled in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last five matches.
They did, however, halt a three-match losing streak with a goalless draw against Marumo Gallants last weekend.
Despite their slump, they remain fourth on the table, and a victory on Friday would propel them into the top three ahead of Sekhukhune United.
“We will keep on working hard in the training field to improve our goalscoring chances. I think everyone has prepared well for the second round, we always know that the second round of the league is a difficult one,” said City coach Phuti Mohafe.
“So, everyone wants to win, some want to maintain their possession, others want to move away from relegation and others are fighting for the top eight.
“Is just how you maintain your team, with us these three matches the results were not on our side. I can say the second round is tough.”
Both teams have no suspensions heading into the encounter, but Stellenbosch may be without Athenkosi Mcaba and Bradley Mojela due to injuries, while Polokwane’s Thabang Matuludi is expected to remain sidelined with a long-term issue.