The Soweto Giants head into the closing phase of the season with their title ambitions firmly intact, aware that every remaining point could prove decisive in their push for the Betway Premiership title.
Speaking to Orlando Pirates TV, assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi described the team’s preparations as straightforward, underlining the importance of securing all three points.
“The preparation is just straightforward; three points are vital. We are focusing on the process of gathering the points in the tough conditions in Cape Town.”
“We just want to perform and focus on our game plan and outscore the opponent… with what is happening at the club with the players being so prepared, I think we will overcome Stellenbosch,” he added.
Stellenbosch, meanwhile, are determined to force their way into the top eight, with MTN 8 qualification still within reach if they can string together results in the closing weeks. With only four matches left, the margin for error is razor‑thin.
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Stellies have not consistently hit the heights of recent seasons, spending much of this campaign in the lower half of the standings. Currently 10th, they sit just three points shy of eighth place. Their recent defeat to Polokwane City was a setback, but Gavin Hunt’s side have otherwise enjoyed a strong run in 2026, collecting 20 points from 12 matches. Their home form has been particularly impressive, unbeaten in Cape Town since December.
Speaking to the club’s website, Hunt admitted: “We’ve had a bit of a break since our last game, about ten days, and while we would have preferred to have played sooner, we are looking forward to the game.”
“We were very disappointed that we lost last week [against Polokwane City] because we shouldn’t have lost or have even drawn that game, but we’re still fighting for the top eight, and we have a chance of achieving that. We have to try. We’ve got four games left, and we’ll probably have to win three of those.”