Stellies out to prolong Chiefs' trophy drought in Ke Yona

Stellenbosch FC will tussle it out with Kaizer Chiefs in Saturday's Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match at the former's once-off home ground, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Stellies have hit form as they are undefeated in their last six matches across all competitions, having secured a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, and they have won four of their last six games.

Stellenbosch are looking to reach the Nedbank Cup semifinals for the third year running and they proved their cup pedigree by winning last season's Carling Knockout - the club's first major trophy triumph.

Meanwhile, Chiefs eased their woes by snapping a two-match winless run across all competitions by securing a 1-0 win over Magesi FC on Tuesday and prior to that, they had lost two games in a row.

As the most successful club in the history of the Nedbank Cup with 13 titles, Amakhosi view this competition as their last chance to win some silverware this term and they are desperate to end their drought, having won their last major trophy in 2015.

TEAM NEWS

Stellenbosch will be boosted by the availability of Thabo Moloisane and Andre De Jong after they served their suspensions, but Bradley Mojela remains sidelined by a long-term injury.

Kaizer Chiefs, on the other hand, will also welcome back Thabo Cele and Gaston Sirino from suspension, while Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Wandile Duba are both available for selection after recovering from their respective injuries.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker

"The players are excited for the match because it's another massive opportunity for us as a football club to try and get ourselves into yet another semifinal," Barker said.

"You know, when you're going up against such an exciting opponent, there is always big energy and a good vibe because it is Kaizer Chiefs.

Ahead of Saturday's game, there is a lot of energy, excitement, and anticipation. Everybody's looking forward to the opportunity on Saturday."

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi

"We are playing against a good team that is still in the CAF Confederation Cup competition this season, with a very experienced technical staff," Nabi said.

"We are expecting a tough game. We have played them twice already in the league and have analysed them thoroughly, including their CAF games. However, cup games require a different approach to league games.

"It will require a lot of mental resolve and patience too, because at the ned of the game, someone will be knocked out, and the other will be through to the next round. That needs to be considered."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Devin Titus, Stellenbosch FC: The speedy winger netted the winning goal in the victory over Marumo Gallants after grabbing an assist against Polokwane City and he will be looking to continue his good form by slaying Amakhosi.

Glody Lilepo, Kaizer Chiefs: The DR Congolese winger, who has a goal and an assist in his last three matches, will carry Amakhosi's hopes of reaching the semifinals, having produced a Man of the Match performance against Stellies on 7 February.

Head-to-head (since 2017)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2016/17 Nedbank Cup last 32 Stellenbosch 0-3 Chiefs Molangoane, Tshabalala, Paez

2017/18 Nedbank Cup last 16 Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch Mathoho, Castro; Robertson

2022/23 MTN8 quarterfinal Stellenbosch 1-1* Chiefs Nduli; Du Preez

*Chiefs won on penalties

CUP RECORD

P W D L GF GA

Stellenbosch 3 0 1 2 2 6

Chiefs 3 2 1 0 6 2

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2020/21 Stellenbosch 0-0 Chiefs

2020/21 Chiefs 2-2 Stellenbosch Casto, Nk. Ngcobo; Sinkala, Nange

2021/22 Chiefs 0-1 Stellenbosch Du Preez

2021/22 Stellenbosch 1-0 Chiefs Van Rooyen

2022/23 Stellenbosch 1-3 Chiefs Mgaga; Bimenyimana 3 (3 pens)

2022/23 Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch Du Preez, Dolly; Jabaar

2023/24 Stellenbosch 0-2 Chiefs Mmodi, Saile

2023/24 Chiefs 0-1 Stellenbosch Titus

2024/25 Chiefs 2-1 Stellenbosch Duba 2; Lekoloane

2024/25 Stellenbosch 0-1 Chiefs Lilepo

ALL COMPETITIONS (since 2017)

P W D L GF GA

Stellenbosch 15 3 4 8 11 23

Chiefs 15 8 4 3 23 11