Stellenbosch FC will be seeking to extend their eight-game unbeaten streak in the Betway Premiership when they face off against Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Tuesday.
Stellies, under new coach Gavin Hunt, have not suffered a league defeat since last December, with their recent 2-1 victory over Chippa United keeping their hopes of finishing in the top eight alive.
Hunt has certainly improved Stellenbosch’s defensive organization since arriving at the Danie Craven Stadium as the former Carling Cup champions have become incredibly hard to break down.
However, the Western Cape side are up against a bogey team, with Richards Bay having enjoyed a better run of results in the fixture with six wins across 13 meetings between the two sides across all competitions, including a 1-0 triumph earlier this season.
Tuesday’s encounter is a good opportunity to improve this record with the Natal Richards Boyz in the midst of a poor run of form, having lost their last matches on the bounce.
The pressure is certainly building on Papi Zothwane’s side with Richards Bay on 23 points from 22 matches with just a narrow five-point cushion above the playoff spot.
All eyes will certainly be on midfielder Sanele Barns. The 29-year-old was an integral part of Stellenbosch’s success under previous coach Stever Barker, scoring crucial goals particularly in the MTN8 competition.
But with Barker joining Tanzanian giants Simba SC last December, Hunt offloaded Barns in the January transfer window, setting in motion a return to former club Richards Bay, who he made 62 appearances before joining Stellies.
It will be the first time Barns will face Stellenbosch since his permanent move in January.
Stellies, meanwhile, will be pinning their hopes on Langelihle Phili. The SA U20 wide forward has shown good promise since returning from last year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
Phili has scored nine goals across all competitions this season, and should he net against Richards Bay, he will be the first Stellies player to achieve double figures during the current campaign.
Kickoff is at 7:30pm
