Stellenbosch FC want to make this season special

Herman Gibbs

Stellenbosch FC were caught up in the euphoria of Thursday’s CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final draw in Doha, Qatar, but the players remained firmly focused on Friday’s Premiership clash against the unpredictable Richards Bay at the Danie Craven Stadium (7.30pm kick-off).

Throughout Thursday, Stellenbosch – who qualified for the Confederation Cup quarter-finals in their debut attempt – were anxiously waiting to know who their opponents would be.

As it turned out, Stellenbosch were pitted against the reigning Confederation Cup champions, Zamalek of Egypt.

The first leg will take place in the Western Cape on the weekend of April 2, with the second leg a week later in Egypt.

Stellenbosch CEO Rob Benadie, who was present at the draw in the Qatari capital, said he was proud that the club had reached the Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

A clash against the defending champions awaits 🏆

Here's all you need to know following today's quarter-final draw ⬇️

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) February 20, 2025

“It is again a bit surreal that in our relative infancy as a Premier Soccer League club, we are on this expansive stage,” said Benadie.

“Playing an Egyptian opponent will be a great opportunity to test ourselves at a quarter-final stage.

“We know it will be tough for us, but also our opponents.”

Benadie said the team had lost some ground in the local arena over the past few weeks after defeats to Kaizer Chiefs (home and away) and a draw against Sekhukhune United.

However, Stellenbosch have regained their mojo after showing character as they grabbed two late goals to beat TS Galaxy 3-2 in Mbombela on Tuesday night.

Devin Titus opened the scoring in the 17th minute for the Cape Winelands club, but after conceding two goals, Stellenbosch were rescued by a late brace from Ashley Cupido in the last 10 minutes.

“Consistent high performance and a top-three place in the Premiership remains the main focus for our club,” said Benadie.

“After a few under-par performances across competitions, we have again found form against Polokwane City in the Nedbank Cup and TS Galaxy in the last Premiership outing.

“We now have some home matches that we want to capitalise on to get our league campaign back on track.

“It is not easy with the tight schedule and injuries, but I have full confidence that we have the quality and motivation in our squad.

“Together with our technical and support staff, we want to make this season special.”

Stellenbosch will have to dig deep against an unpredictable Richards Bay, who will arrive in the Mother City with loads of confidence after securing back-to-back wins this month for the first time this season.

First they defeated fellow strugglers Marumo Gallants, and then triumphed against third-placed Polokwane City 2-0.

Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel said their latest wins reflect the team’s determination to climb up the table after a disappointing first round in the Premiership season.

“We’re gaining ascendancy, we’re taking control of games, and we’re creating numerous goal-scoring chances.

“If you look at the stats, we’ve been creating more goal-scoring chances than any other team in the league,” said Gabriel.

“It’s just our conversion rate is not where it was supposed to be. But the goals are coming, and we’ll get better, and we shouldn’t get big-headed after two victories on the trot.

“We know we are still at the bottom half of the league. We must continue to work hard. Our team is a hard-running team.

“It means that we must continue to work hard, be humble, realise our position in the league, and know that we must get higher up the league table.

“That’s what this team is capable of; they deserve to be higher up in the league.”