Depleted line-up for Stellenbosch against champions

Stellenbosch will take a depleted team into Wednesday’s DStv Premiership clash against champions Mamelodi Sundowns, hit by both injury and suspension.

They already had a weakened side for their MTN8 semifinal second leg tie against Orlando Pirates in Soweto on Sunday – where the Winelands club were surprise winners – but were hit further when Iqraam Rayners went off with a hamstring injury and Jayden Adams was booked, for his fourth caution of the season and an automatic one game suspension.

The club were already without Ivorian centre back Ismail Toure, sent off against Moroka Swallows last week, and their flying fullbacks Fawaaz Basadien and Dean van Rooyen.

Basadien suffered a hip and hamstring injury against Swallows while Van Rooyen was concussed and cut on the head when they drew 0-0 away at Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Last week the club also sold their key midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa to Kaizer Chiefs.

“We are a little bit depleted,” said coach Steve Barker with some understatement in the build-up to the game. “It's just what it is. The big part for us is to be competitive as much as we can against Sundowns but the following seven matches take us into the halfway part of the season and that is going to be crucial for us.

“We faced quite a stiff start to the season with playing Pirates three times and SuperSport United twice. We've had to play Chiefs as well. So it's been a bit of a tough campaign and obviously getting the red cards didn’t help that either.”

Stellenbosch have also Thabo Moloisane and Devon Titus sent off this season.

“Playing Sundowns is going to be a struggle. It'll be tough, but you know, the lads always put up their hand when their backs are to the wall. I'm sure we'll be competitive and put up a big fight against Sundowns.

“Imagine us coming here to Gauteng and beating both Pirates and Sundowns, that would be quite amazing. But yeah, it’s going to be tough,” added Barker.